Director of Nature Center & Camps

Genesee Country Museum•Town of Wheatland, NY

12h•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of the Nature Center & Camps is responsible for day-to-day and seasonal interpretive programming and management of Genesee Country Nature Center and spring break, summer, and family camps and programs.

Requirements

5 – 7 years combined education or work experience in camp management; classroom teaching and/or interpretive experience preferred
Working knowledge of natural history, ecology, conservation, and maple sugaring strongly desired
Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and customer service skills, plus the ability to work well under pressure and maintain a constant problem-solving attitude.
Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities, in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner
Strong communications skills, written and oral, including teaching and presentations skills and supervision; ability to work independently, be highly motivated, and manage multiple projects at once in a fast-paced work environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and registration software.
Must possess a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

classroom teaching and/or interpretive experience preferred
Working knowledge of natural history, ecology, conservation, and maple sugaring strongly desired

Responsibilities

Develop, document, and deliver naturalist- and self-guided interpretation experience for general admission including animal encounters, indoor exhibits, trail and interpretive signage, and outdoor exhibits, spaces, and gardens; train and schedule naturalist to provide interpretation
Develop and manage Nature Center and Camp budgets; ensure expenses are management, invoices are paid on time, and revenue goals are met
Plan and prepare workshops, tours, lectures, and symposiums to further educate the public regarding natural history, habitats, and maple sugaring and to meet visitor interest and budgetary needs
Develop, manage, and deliver four annual Nature Center events
Support education and special events in collaboration with education and events teams; lead nature-based interpretation, provide staffing and other support for field trips, and maintain nature-oriented program supplies
Oversee nest box management program and database for bird nest box monitoring including the supervision of 8-12 volunteers who collect data and help with the program
Manage and grow BSA and Girl Scout daytime, overnight, and merit badge programs; maintain relationships with local troops and councils; schedule staff and volunteers for scout programs, workshops, events, and daily interpretation
Develop and regularly evaluate camp, family, and other youth program offerings to ensure audience appeal, educational value, safety, and financial viability; provide clear, easy to follow curricula, lesson plans, activities, and other supports as needed to teachers and staff.
Manage and maintain administrative functions including camp permits and health and safety plans, all facets of camp and program registration, acquisition and distribution of youth costumes and other supplies, scheduling, and implementation of the camp operations plan, including effective coordination with Facilities, Interpretation, Curatorial, Visitor Services, and other departments essential to supporting camp operations.
Serve as a Nature Center educator for community outreach, school, and youth group programs (i.e. scouts); teach, facilitate, and lead tours and/or demonstrations
Directly supervise supporting manager; schedule regular check-ins to ensure goals are established and met and staff needs are addressed
Recruit, train, and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers involved in delivering camp and youth programs.
Serve as the primary champion and coach for camp culture and youth safety, ensuring that clear expectations are set regarding fostering a culture of respect and care among all adult and youth participants and their surroundings.
Manage 250 - 400 tap maple sugaring production and interpretive operation
Maintain sugarbush tubing, bucket systems, and all equipment:
Run and maintain evaporator, Reverse Osmosis machine, and production finishing equipment for production and during maple field trips and Maple Sugar Festival
Manage the production and packaging of maple products year-round, including maple soft candy, maple cream, maple cotton candy, and bottles of syrup; coordinate with Visitor Services on product inventory and sales for Museum Store
Maintain Sugar House as year-round space for interpretation and visitation
Provide information to and support for marketing department to build awareness of Genesee Country Nature Center and youth and family programs including camps
Manage the care for animals, including turtles and bees, and natural collections
Build, maintain, and be a representative for recreation, conservation, and other community partnerships related to the Nature Center
Maintain equipment, supplies, and Nature Center spaces in collaboration with Facilities department; assess and communicate trail maintenance needs to Facilities
Request and supervise Nature Center volunteers and coordinate volunteer projects and scheduling as necessary
Hold and renew NYS License to Collect or Possess for education and exhibition
Other duties as needed – GCV&M’s culture occasionally asks staff to assist cross-departmentally for the benefit of guest experience and shared workload. Examples include greeting buses for field trips or moving chairs between events to reset a space