Discovery Center Manager

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOUNTAINS FOUNDATION•Fawnskin, CA

2d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Discovery Center Manager is responsible for managing all operations at the center in partnership with the Forest Service. The manager provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer, staff and intern functions within the Big Bear Discovery Center to 1) Strengthen public or private programs and 2) Involve a community of supporters as described in the duties outlined below. The Discovery Center Manager is responsible for and staffing all educational and interpretive programs for the Big Bear Discovery Center as well as managing gift store operations. The manager will recruit, train, supervise and mentor volunteers and interns in order to provide quality information services and educational programs at the Discovery Center. The manager will be responsible for providing all the listed program services in the absence of volunteers or interns. The manager will be required to attend and participate in community meetings, give presentations to local groups and organize and lead fundraising efforts for Discovery Center programs. The Manager will be responsible for oversight of the Music in the Mountains fundraiser including leading volunteer recruitment, outreach for sponsorship opportunities, logistics for the event and onstage announcements.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college. A variety of educational backgrounds may be considered, including environmental science, natural resource management, environmental education or a related field.
Experience in customer service, good knowledge of general sales operations and POS system operations.
Experience in developing and delivering interpretive programs in environmental education.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Working cell phone with which to maintain internet and email communication and conduct business.
Experience working and recreating outdoors.
A candidate should show evidence of the following characteristics: flexibility, positive outlook, creativity, concern for community safety, good interpersonal skills, a willing attitude, adaptability, decision making skills, maturity, integrity, and approachability.
Position requires prolonged or intermittent sitting, standing, walking/hiking on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, stooping and crouching. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports and using a computer keyboard and hand tools in the performance of daily duties. The need to lift, carry, push and pull materials up to 50 pounds is required. The employee will be required to travel to different sites and locations; when working outdoors the incumbent may encounter extreme weather conditions; including wet, hot, cold, wind, snow, ice and heavy vehicle traffic. Candidates must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction and hear in the normal range with or without correction. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth and perception. Hearing requirements include the ability to properly use a two way radio and telephone while around groups of people to communicate with other personnel.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding geography preferred.
Positive can-do attitude.
Personable and outgoing with excellent communication skills.
Ability to professionally represent programs and projects.
Public Speaking: Good at speaking to both individuals and large groups of people.
Manage and Lead: Ability to both lead and manage large groups of people of all ages.
Organized and Self-Sufficient: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Excellent time management and project management skills.
Computer Savvy: working knowledge of contemporary technology, digital photography, file sharing, social media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram) and working knowledge of contemporary office technology including word, excel, Google applications and the internet.
Problem Solver: Ability to analyze situations, develop strategies, and implement solutions.
Versatile and Flexible; time will be spent both inside doing desk work and outside.

Responsibilities

Oversee Discovery Center operations in partnership with Forest staff.
Assure Visitor Center front desk and educational programs are fully staffed, step into those roles when needed.
Provide training and oversee staff, interns and volunteers on education programs to be presented at the Discovery Center.
Interpretive display management - updates and care for all interpretive exhibits around Discovery Center property, ensure educational information aligns with interpretive standards.
Oversee the recruitment, training and management of volunteer participants at the Discovery Center. Provide ongoing support and guidance for volunteers. Ensure volunteers are trained to support the various areas of operations, to include visitor service areas, exhibits and education, special events, development and administration.
Recruit, train, and manage seasonal internship positions.
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and professional associations.
Prepare presentations to build community support for the mission of the Discovery Center and SCMF as a whole.
Participate in fundraising efforts to support Discovery Center programs, host events at the Discovery Center and in the community to promote fundraising activities.
Develop an annual calendar of events and assure all activities are executed at the Discovery Center, including eco tours, school programs and interpretive programs.
Handle telephone, voicemail, written, and email inquiries for information regarding tours and group visits.
Author written communications such as newsletters, blogs, social media, press releases, instructions, or other media as appropriate.
Lead volunteer advisory council. Ensure advisory council activities are aligned with the mission and vision of SCMF & USFS.
Collaborate with other SCMF volunteer programs, including Fire Lookouts, OHV, Trails, UCC, and Restoration.
Identify community outreach opportunities for the organization such as fairs, festivals, local markets and organizations. Maintain a schedule of opportunities and other SCMF events.
Remain current in general office technology. Train volunteers to use office and specialized equipment when appropriate.
Coordinate facility management efforts for SCMF staff & volunteers to maintain the physical environment so it’s viable for the intended purpose to include; Nature Discovery Zone, SCMF offices, gift store and interpretive areas of BBDC. Communicate facility management efforts to Forest staff.
Manage on-site and online gift store operations, to include training staff and volunteers on professional store operations. Oversee the gift store POS system, assist with inventory, stock shelves when needed and ensure cleanliness of work and storage areas. Oversee and guide Gift Store Coordinator on compiling merchandise order requests and work to fill orders.
Assure accurate records are maintained on accomplishments and interpretive program participation and reported annually.
Maintain inventory of office and program supplies, place supply orders as needed.
Develop, update and maintain Discovery Center Operations Manual in cooperation with Forest staff.
Lead onsite efforts for Music in the Mountains fundraising event by scheduling and managing volunteer operations, assisting with distribution of marketing materials to local groups, outreach to the community for sponsorship opportunities, logistics for the event, onstage announcements. and other duties as assigned.
Custodial duties as needed to keep up with visitor center operations.
Perform other related and peripheral duties as required and necessary for the successful performance of this job.