Lead Scientist and Director

~ Appalachian Headwaters is a nonprofit organization focused on protection and restoration of native ecosystems and sustainable economic development in central Appalachia. ~

The Center is focused on environmental education with an emphasis on pollinator education. The program operates from offices in Lewisburg, WV, a newly renovated 100-acre education and conference center in Summers County, WV, and in Giles County, Virginia.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Lead Scientist and Director to help develop and run the newly formed Appalachian Pollinator Center in southern West Virginia. We are seeking a candidate with a background in ecology, preferably with a focus on native pollinators and/or honey bees.

Responsibilities

The Director’s primary goals will be to:

• Create and manage a pollinator education and environmental sciences center focused on ecology, native pollinators, and honeybees.
• Develop and begin educational outreach in West Virginia and Virginia.
• Data analysis and developing ecologically sound protocols for pollinators, including honey bees.
• Working with existing programs, including the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective and native plant programs, described below.

Additionally:

• The position will help expand and support already developed programs as needed.
• For example, one of Headwaters’ major initiatives is the advancement of sustainable beekeeping in central Appalachia.
• This position will likely work in some capacity with the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective (ABC), a beekeeping training and support program throughout the region.
• Additionally, this position is likely to be involved with our native plant seed collection and nursery program
• This program ties in with our ongoing work to reestablish native ecosystems on former mountaintop removal sites and other formerly mined lands in the region
• Primarily we see this position as leading educational programs and analyzing and using data gathered by the Center.

Qualifications

• PhD in entomology, botany, environmental science, ecology, or related field.
• Teaching experience preferred.
• Beekeeping experience preferred but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds. The candidate should also be able to work closely and respectfully with our members and communities throughout rural West Virginia and Virginia.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple and diverse tasks.
• Willingness to commit to natural, low-chemical beekeeping and horticulture methods.
• The candidate must be compatible with our program mission, including a dedication to environmental protection, natural beekeeping methods, organic plant growing and restoration of native ecosystems.

Compensation

• Based on experience, includes strong benefits package.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload a resume, references and cover letter.
• Position open until filled.
• Start date: ASAP.