Be part of something new and transformative. We’re seeking a dynamic, people-focused leader to oversee the daily operations and educational programming at our brand-new, state-of-the-art nursery facility.

This role combines hands-on nursery management with a passion for community engagement and ecological stewardship.

What You’ll Do

We are looking for a strong people leader who thrives on developing and motivating teams. Experience in horticulture, ecology, or environmental education (or a related field). Proven ability to manage operations while advancing educational or community-focused initiatives. A commitment to sustainability, conservation, and lifelong learning.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of a new facility that will have a lasting impact on the landscape and community. You’ll be leading from the ground up, surrounded by a team that values collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven work.

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.  Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends. 

The successful candidate will do the following:

• Manages daily operations of the Shaker Trace Nursery campus, including safety, scheduling, grounds, programming and events. Oversees plant propagation efforts including greenhouse operation, seed collection, processing, storage and distribution of native plants. Strengthens community ties through proactive engagement, building partnerships that support the facility’s purpose and extend educational impacts
• Directly supervises nursery staff and volunteers in accordance with policies. Sets clear expectations aligned with the organization’s master plan, providing regular feedback and guidance. Ensures interdepartmental and interdivisional collaboration in facility management. 
• Supervises and develops interpretive staff to design and deliver programs consistent with agency themes.  Serves as lead interpreter and collaborates with staff to create engaging, experiential programs. Creates and delivers hands-on workshops, tours and education programs on topics such as native plants, seed harvesting, and sustainable garden practices, fostering public appreciation of ecosystems. Continuously evaluates and improves nursery programming.
• Maintains payroll, expenditure and revenue records; prepares reports.  Oversees plant sales, fee collection, and compliance with cash handling procedures, including POS operations and audits. Purchases equipment and supplies, reviews bids, negotiates with vendors, and manages inventory. Manages operating budgets, prepares requisitions, approves invoices, and ensures compliance with purchasing procedures.
• Monitors and enforces safety procedures for staff, volunteers and visitors. Provides training for equipment use and emergencies procedures. Ensures training and safety compliance for all staff and volunteers. Responds to guest concerns and complaints, analyzes issues, and implements corrective actions.  
• Develops propagation goals and plans. Partners with interdivisional team members to meet agency propagation goals. Executes annual propagation plans utilizing multi-disciplinary team.  
• Collaborates with schools, community groups, government agencies, non-profits and businesses to promote native plant use and conservation. Works with Marketing and Brand Strategy to promote programs and contributes to publications, reports, and promotional materials. 
• Exhibits regular and punctual attendance.
• Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.

Qualifications:

• An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is: Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Education, Ecology, Natural Resources, Conservation or comparable academic discipline required.  3 years of experience in a manager/supervisor role, 5 years of experience of demonstrable native plant education experience. 
• Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

License or Certification Requirements:

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.

About Great Parks

Our mission is to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Connections working at Great Parks