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Native Plant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Native Plant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$40.3K

$97.1K

$139K

How much do native plant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for native plant in Raleigh, NC is $97,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Native Plant vs Landscape Designer?

AspectNative PlantLandscape Designer
CredentialsBotanical or horticultural certifications, native plant expertiseDesign certifications, landscape architecture degrees
Work EnvironmentNurseries, conservation projects, ecological restoration sitesDesign firms, outdoor spaces, residential and commercial projects
Industry UsageEnvironmental conservation, native plant landscapingLandscape design, outdoor space planning

Native Plant specialists focus on selecting and maintaining indigenous plants for ecological and conservation purposes, often working in restoration or conservation projects. Landscape Designers create aesthetic outdoor spaces, integrating various plant types, including native plants, to meet client needs. While both roles involve plant knowledge, Native Plant experts specialize in native species and ecological health, whereas Landscape Designers focus on overall design and functionality of outdoor environments.

What are native plants?

Native plants are species of plants that have evolved and occur naturally in a specific region, ecosystem, or habitat without human intervention. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them beneficial for supporting local biodiversity and requiring less maintenance compared to non-native species. Using native plants in landscaping helps conserve water, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and provide habitat for native wildlife, such as birds and pollinators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Native Plant Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Native Plant Specialist, a solid background in botany, ecology, and environmental science—often with a relevant degree or certification—is essential. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), plant identification tools, and ecological restoration software is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help specialists collaborate with stakeholders and ensure successful project outcomes. These skills and qualifications are crucial for promoting native plant conservation, restoring habitats, and supporting sustainable land management.

What are some typical challenges faced by Native Plant Nursery Technicians, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Native Plant Nursery Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing plant health in varying weather conditions, controlling pests without harming native species, and ensuring accurate identification and propagation of diverse native plants. Effective communication and collaboration with horticulturists, landscapers, and environmental scientists are crucial for problem-solving and maintaining healthy plant populations. Staying current with best practices in sustainable cultivation and pest management helps technicians adapt to these challenges and support conservation goals.
What are popular job titles related to Native Plant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Native Plant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Native Plant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Native Plant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Native Plant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Native Plant job openings:
Infographic showing various Native Plant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,085 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
SME - Reforestation

$43 - $59.42/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

IEM is seeking a Part-Time Reforestation Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our continued growth. The Reforestation SME provides specialized technical expertise to support wildfire recovery and longterm forest restoration efforts. This role requires deep knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecosystems, postfire ecological processes, and evidencebased reforestation practices. The SME will support the development of defensible technical assessments and SME reports used to substantiate claimant recovery amounts in alignment with program guidelines.

Primary Location:

  • Live within the United States including any US territory
  • Work from a personal/home office location

Travel Requirements:

  • This position may require travel to complete work assignments or attend meetings/trainings.

Essential Functions:

  • Design and oversee reforestation projects in areas affected by wildfire, with a focus on ecological restoration and long-term forest health.
  • Conduct site assessments to determine soil stability, species suitability, and prioritize areas for intervention based on ecological and community needs.
  • Collaborate with land managers, government agencies, community stakeholders, and non-profit partners to develop reforestation plans tailored to Rocky Mountain landscapes.
  • Provide technical guidance on seed collection, native species selection, planting techniques, and post-planting care specific to post-wildfire recovery in the region.
  • Monitor project outcomes, adapt management strategies, and report on progress and ecological impacts.
  • Deliver training and workshops for field personnel and community volunteers on wildfire reforestation methods and safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Degree: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Experience: Ten (10) years of combined experience in reforestation, wildfire recovery, land restoration, forestry, or related ecological disciplines.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Rocky Mountain ecosystems, native species, and postwildfire regeneration practices.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Wildfire ecology and burn severity effects
    • Forest succession
    • Soil stabilization and watershed dynamics
    • Native plant communities of the Rocky Mountain region
  • Experience preparing technical assessments, valuation summaries, or SME reports related to ecological losses and restoration costs.
  • Proficiency using GIS, remote sensing platforms, and ecological monitoring tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical findings to claimants, FEMA staff, and diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to work safely in remote, rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.
  • Strong customerservice approach when interacting with claimants and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience collaborating with federal and state land management agencies (e.g., USFS, BLM, NRCS).
  • Certification or training in forestry, ecological restoration, fire ecology, or similar fields (e.g., SAF Certified Forester, Society for Ecological Restoration credentials).
  • Knowledge of climate adaptation strategies in forest recovery and longterm resilience planning.
  • Experience with grant development, project budget creation, or multistakeholder restoration partnerships.

Additional Information:

  • Personal Office / At Home Locations:All personal office/at home work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purpose of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

Benefits and more:

  • Hourly rate based on location and experience: $43.00 - $59.42 / hour.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All IEM employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment, if necessary, are made without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, creed, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: IEM is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or employment process, please email IEMhumanresources@iem.com with specific details about the requested accommodation. All accommodation requests are reviewed case-by-case in compliance with applicable law.