Title: Assistant Land and Environmental Programs Manager
Reports to: Land and Environmental Programs Manager
Supervises: Contractors, Volunteers, and Consultants

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Land and Environmental Programs Manager joins a team of intellectually curious, scientifically rigorous, hard-working, and interdisciplinary professionals who support the unique mission and vision of the Elling Eide Center. Under the direction of the Land and Environmental Programs Manager, this position is responsible for hands-on execution and daily operations of a comprehensive land management plan that protects, preserves, maintains, and restores the 72-acre nature preserve surrounding the Elling O. Eide Library in Sarasota, Florida, while supporting the Center's broader environmental programs. This role offers excellent opportunities for early-career professionals to develop field skills in an intellectually rich, interdisciplinary environment.

Significant program areas include environmental land management, restoration and enhancement, as well as horticulture of native, ornamental, and edible plants. Additionally, because the Eide Center exists at the intersection of conservation science and humanities scholarship, this position helps support visiting national and international scholars, as well as diverse archaeological, historical, and cultural resources within the preserve.

ABOUT THE EIDE PRESERVE
The Elling Eide Center is a nonprofit research library, nature preserve, and cultural retreat located on 72 acres of rare coastal habitat in Sarasota, Florida. Named after scholar and preservationist, Elling Oliver Eide (1935–2012), the Center’s mission is to advance scholarly research in the humanities and environmental sciences with a particular emphasis on Asian studies. The Center houses one of the most significant private collections of East Asian literature in the United States, as well as one of the last remaining reserves of biodiversity in an increasingly urbanized Florida coastline. Their approach to scholarship, grounded in nature, provides students and scholars with a unique opportunity to address critical questions at the intersection of culture, climate, and conservation. More information about the Eide Center’s strategic initiatives may be found in the Case for Support.

At the heart of Elling’s vision for the Eide Center is the Eide Library, a private, independent, non-profit, non-circulating, research library. The Eide Preserve surrounds the library and grounds the collection, research, and operations in nature. Land management is guided by the Preserve Management Plan, v1.0.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work is typically related to land management at the Eide Preserve or performing environmental programs in
support of the Elling Eide Center, under the direction of the Land and Environmental Programs Manager.
In general, work assignments include but are not limited to:

Primary Responsibilities (60-70% of time)

• Daily preserve management and maintenance
• Horticultural care including planting, pruning, watering, and mulching
• Assist with prescribed fire operations under direction of Certified Burn Manager
• Habitat management and invasive species control
• Maintenance, repair, or replacement of infrastructure
• Equipment operation including tractors, UTVs, mowers, and hand tools
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and volunteers during field operations
• Protect and maintain archaeological features during all preserve operations

Technical/Scientific Work (20-30%)

• Field surveys and biotic monitoring
• Photo documentation of preserve conditions and project progress
• Data entry and database management
• Assist with GIS mapping and spatial data collection
• Sample collection for water quality or soil testing

Support Functions (5-10% of time)

• Assist with visitor and researcher coordination
• Support public education and outreach activities
• Equipment and supply inventory management
• Contribute to grant reports and management plan updates
• Occasionally support facilities and structures repair

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related field, with 1-2 years of field experience
OR Associate's degree with 3-4 years progressive experience in land/preserve management;
OR 5 years demonstrated experience in habitat restoration and land stewardship.
• Valid Florida driver's license with clean driving record
• CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months of hire; Wilderness First Aid certification preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Basic native plant identification and Florida ecosystems knowledge
• Computer use, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office
• Safe equipment operation and basic mechanical troubleshooting

Field Requirements

• Physical ability to work outdoors 70-80% of time in heat, rain, and around wildlife
• Ability to lift 50 lbs occasionally, 20 lbs frequently
• Ability to pass moderate pack test and to pass on an annual basis.
• Comfortable working in/around water, climbing equipment, bending, stooping, crawling
• Ability to work independently in remote areas of the preserve

Professional Skills

• Clear verbal communication with supervisors, contractors, and volunteers
• Ability to follow detailed work plans and safety protocols
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently once trained
• Basic time management and task prioritization
• Professional demeanor when interacting with preserve visitors and researchers

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Agricultural, horticultural, or landscape design skills
• Ability to operate tractors, UTVs, and trailers
• Invasive species identification and control methods
• Herbicide applicators certification
• Basic GIS and GPS navigation skills
• Prescribed fire training (S-130/190) or willingness to obtain
• Basic chainsaw safety and operation
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS or other mapping software
• Spanish language skills
• Familiarity with East Asian cultures, history, languages, or humanities scholarship
• Interest in or familiarity with cultural resource preservation
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work and learning

SCHEDULE

• Full Time, 40 hours per week
• Generally, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am- 3:30 pm
• Occasionally may be required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as requested.
• Attend Special events (as needed)

WORKING CONDITIONS
Generally, outdoor field environment (70-80%) and indoor office work (20-30%). Performs strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions. Able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently. Required to drive vehicles as part of the duties of the job, e.g. tractor, golf cart, truck. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl, and reach. The position requires visual acuity and depth perception as well as the ability to hear and identify sounds. Work in and around water.

BENEFITS

• Healthcare (company pays 90% of the annual cost), 100% Dental and Vision, and 3% company contribution to a Fidelity Simple IRA account with employee participation.
• 14 paid holidays and two weeks additional PTO after 90-day probationary period
• Annual performance pay bonus for achieving personal and organizational goals
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education