Manager of the Nature Center

Genesee Country Museum•Town of Wheatland, NY

3h•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of the Nature Center supports both Nature Center and Camp programming and is responsible for day-to-day and seasonal interpretation, Scout program development and delivery, maple sugaring, and playing a critical role in the camp leadership team.

Requirements

2 - 4 years combined education or work experience in outdoor & environmental education, applied sciences, and/or camp management
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

Responsibilities

Support the development, documentation, and delivery of a variety of Nature Center-based programs including: Naturalist- and self-guided interpretation experiences for general admission (animal encounters, indoor exhibits, trail and interpretive signage, and outdoor exhibits, spaces, and gardens); Scout programs (day, overnight, and Merit Badge classes); Seasonal nature-based events; Nature Center education programs; Bluebird nest box program.
Support the development and regular evaluation of 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.
Contribute to administrative camp functions including camp and program registration, acquisition and distribution of youth costumes and other supplies, scheduling, and implementation of the camp operations plan.
Serve as a Nature Center educator during summer camp, especially related to fishing and Oatka Creek programs.
Support the management of 250 - 400 tap maple sugaring production and interpretive operation including: Maintenance of 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; 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; Maintaining the Sugar House as year-round space for interpretation and visitation.
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.
All-hands-on deck tasks are a requirement for all staff members- regardless of job title or seniority within the organization and may include assisting with food service, programming, and set up and tear down of large-scale events at the Museum.