About: Howard EcoWorks (EcoWorks) is a non-profit social enterprise organization in Columbia, MD. EcoWorks’ mission is to empower communities and diverse workforces to conserve and restore our natural systems for future generations. We are currently accepting applications for the Executive Director position at our organization. 

Job Description: Land Manager | Full Time, including occasional evening and weekend work 

Reports to: Operations Director​

Job Description:

The Land Manager oversees all aspects of development, operations and maintenance at Holly Hills, EcoWorks property located in Glenwood, MD. The property, acquired in Sept. 2024, will support and sustain company operations, serve as a regional green jobs training hub, support the conservation of native plant and animal species and their habitats, support a native plant growing operation, support diversified revenue streams through services and products, and engage and educate the public about environmental best practices. The Land Manager’s initial priorities will be focused on the development and operation of a native plant nursery.  The Land Manager plays a leadership role in the following activities, to be supported with EcoWorks workforce and volunteers: land stewardship; maintaining existing infrastructure, buildings and equipment; overseeing the implementation of new infrastructure projects; serving as a point person for the public and visitors; overseeing security and safety at the property; and supporting/leading other (non-nursery) revenue-generating opportunities at Holly Hills.  The Land Manager oversees contractors, works with vendors, collaborates with all EcoWorks employees and green job trainees, and maintains a positive presence for the company with the neighbors and in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Revenue Generation
• Developing and managing the native plant nursery, Seeds of Change, and its operation
• Inventory management to support retail sales
• Preparing, administering and controlling income and expenditure budgets, particularly and initially for the nursery
• Developing marketing plans and working with EcoWorks staff to implement
• Supporting / leading the production of alternative products / services from the land

• Facility and Property Management
• Monitoring property boundaries to protect resources and prevent damage
• Arranging for the maintenance of buildings, roads and facility
• Overseeing contractors and managing vendors
• Ensuring land use is compliant with regulations
• Planning and managing projects
• Operating and maintaining tools and equipment
• Installing and maintaining fences, raised beds and high tunnels to support growing

• Land Management
• Restoring natural areas, such as controlling invasive species with support from volunteers and EcoWorks staff and crews
• Monitoring the health of plants, trees and wildlife
• Developing and updating management plan(s)
• Overseeing leased areas of land and ensuring positive working relationships with leasees
• Overseeing biochar burns

• Ambassador
• Welcoming visitors and providing a good visitor experience
• Training and leading land management and conservation workers and volunteers
• Engaging with neighbors and the community in positive ways​​

Qualifications:

• 3-4 years land, nursery or related education and experience 
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Knowledge, identification, skills and experience with both native and invasive plants
• Knowledge and experience with native plant propagation techniques
• Experience working in or with greenhouses and/or high tunnels
• Directing and managing workforces to include paid employees and volunteer groups
• Dependable and reliable 
• Good communicator, verbally and in writing 
• Mechanical knowledge and skills
• Self-starter, independent, professional and motivated
• Experience with Microsoft applications, particularly MS Excel, and other applications and technologies
• Experience leading work crews and volunteers
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to drive and maintain company truck, trailer, tractor and other equipment
• Driver’s license and own transportation (mileage reimbursed)

Benefits:

• Salary: $46,000-50,000
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Access to health benefits plan
• Access to the corporate 401(k) plan, with matching based on tenure
• Preferable to support retail sales on non-traditional hours / days (e.g. Saturdays, after work hours)