Assistant Director of Naturalized Lands and Water Systems (PLNG SUPV 2)

#CA-PS
The Assistant Director of Naturalized Lands and Water Systems for UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) leads Putah Creek Riparian Reserve/Naturalized Lands Sub-Team. Leads the development and implementation of place-based projects and programs related to campus lands and water resources. Aligns and integrates APG projects in concert with the campus long-range planning efforts, work planning, projects, and programs. Creates and implements partnerships between campus units, external groups, and the APG. Provides leadership in developing resources for implementation of programs and projects. Works collaboratively with academic and other scientific partners, to leverage natural resources and financial resources providing locations and program support for University research. Leads and manages staff and multi-disciplinary work teams, assigning tasks, projects, and deliverables as part of larger APG initiatives. Coordinates design and management of stormwater and surface water projects, including along Putah creek, for multiple environmental and flood control benefits. Engages state, local, and national conservation and museum communities to disseminate the University's management practices and solutions to the larger community, both statewide and nationally. Oversees the ecological and educational function of campus surface water systems, including Putah Creek, the Arboretum Waterway, bioswales and detention basins, in coordination with Campus Utilities.

Apply By Date

7/9/2025 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Master's degree in Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Biology or Environmental Sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing habitat restoration programs especially in California wetland, grassland, and riparian habitats.
• Experience incorporating 'problems' into innovative, sustainable solutions.
• Experience translating framework ideas (vision) into implementation plans and real-world projects.
• Skill to communicate, verbally and in writing, technical information in a manner that is understandable to non-technical people.
• Skill in organizing work and managing workload requirements to meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct the work of staff, students and volunteers and recognize what motivates different work-teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current California Landscape Architect License.
• 10 years experience in ecosystem and habitat restoration, naturalized land management, storm water, and water resource management, and landscape architecture.
• Experience dealing effectively with the public in an open setting such as public hearing.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn about the ecology and requirements of target management species including the Swainson's Hawk, Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle, and Burrowing Owl.
• Skill in developing scope-of-services documents and reviewing consultants' work.
• Skill to read, comprehend and analyze technical data and policy information pertaining to habitat restoration and land management issues.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Executive Leadership and Management
• 20% - Strategic and Long-Range Systems=Level Planning
• 30% - Leadership For Community Engagement and Outreach
• 15% - Leadership For Fundraising and Resource Development

Department Overview

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) is composed of three sub-teams that collectively hold responsibility for managing the entire campus landscape. This position reports to the APG director. The goals of the APG are to create a more visitor-friendly campus, transition to a more sustainable and resilient campus landscape that is adapted to our future climate, make the academic programs of UC Davis visible to campus visitors, build environmental leadership in students and community partners, engage the public in lifelong learning opportunities, and leverage campus financial and human resources.

Key programs of the APG include the UC Davis GATEways Project, the Learning by Leading Program, and the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan. The GATEways Project transforms the campus into physical and programmatic portals for the public to engage in the riches of UC Davis. The Learning by Leading Program builds environmental leadership skills with students through hands-on, real-world projects and programs involving mentorship by staff, faculty and community members. The Living Landscape Adaptation Plan charts a course for sustaining a thriving campus landscape in the face of significant climate change disruptions.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $92,000/yr. - $172,000/yr. (Budgeted salary up to $132,000/yr.)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: PLNG SUPV 2
• UC Job Code: 005931
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Days - 8 to 5
• Location: Davis - Full-time Onsite
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work environment includes both office and field work. Must be able to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays. Must work in a non-smoking environment. and to work under outdoor field conditions to perform tasks such as planting trees and shrubs, repairing fences, installing signs, and trimming and hauling vegetation. Some outside work in summer heat or winter rain with potential exposure to snakes, rodents and ticks and their associated diseases and regular exposure to poison oak. Employee is personally responsible for following and adhering to safety polices/guidelines.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks