Natural Areas Specialist

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a detail-oriented, ecologically focused Natural Areas Specialist that respects and values nature, science, and conservation.

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre, Level IV accredited arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 300,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

The Natural Areas Specialist will work to maintain, protect, and enhance the diverse habitats and over 40 miles of trails within Bernheim Forest.  Duties include, but are not limited to, vegetation management, trail maintenance, research project assistance, forestry road maintenance, and forest patrol.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct vegetation and habitat management through control of invasive plant species to support ecological restoration and native biodiversity.
• Maintain and improve Bernheim’s 40+ mile trail system through upkeep of trail infrastructure to ensure safe visitor access.
• Perform forest road maintenance, including tree clearing, erosion control, and grade management to maintain safe and functional access routes.
• Operate a variety of small and large equipment including, but not limited to string trimmers, chainsaws, mowers, bush hogs, forestry mulchers, excavators, and skid steers.
• Support volunteer engagement initiatives by assisting with volunteer training, coordinating field activities, and leading hands-on projects.
• Conduct routine forest and boundary patrols to monitor property conditions, identify management needs, and protect organizational assets.
• Assist with wildlife monitoring and management programs using remote cameras, field observations, and other integrated practices.
• Participate in prescribed fire operations in both the arboretum and forest to maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences, ecology, forestry, biology, or related disciplines is preferred.
• One year of field experience in land management, conservation, and restoration techniques is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain certification as a pesticide applicator with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Experience with trail cameras and GPS technologies.
• Maintain an understanding of ecosystem processes and land management principles, as well as be committed to practicing responsible and effective land stewardship.
• Familiarity with operation and use of vehicles with standard transmissions, chainsaws, tractors and bush hogs, skid steers, forestry mulchers, herbicide spray tanks, chippers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and hand tools.
• Knowledge and experience with prescribed fire for habitat management.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in remote areas in proximity to wildlife.
• Capacity to communicate and work effectively with a team.
• Knowledge and interest in plants and animals found in Bernheim region.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk, sometimes a distance of several miles. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
• Comfort working outdoors, in all types of weather, and in remote settings.

This full-time, hourly position reports to the Natural Areas Manager.

Pay rate: $18-$20/hr.

Competitive benefits package includes: health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday and vacation leave.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.