Nature Center Director (Repost)

Nature Center Director
Reposted with new information 4/11/23

Application deadline 5/1/23

Overview:
The nature center director position is a fantastic opportunity to increase your environmental education work experience. Grow your resume and your knowledge with valuable hands-on experience with animal husbandry and training, enclosure and equipment maintenance, record keeping, educational programming and outreach.  You will also gain experience and insight into the management of a nature center, working with volunteers, assisting visitors, permitting and license requirements, and program planning. Amazing opportunity to live and work in a prime birding area with nature and wildlife out your front door.

Mission:
The mission of Marsh Haven Nature Center is to provide a refuge for visitors and wildlife.

Founded in 1984, Marsh Haven Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located on the north end of the Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. The facility consists of 46-acres of mixed habitat – prairie, wetland, woodland. An 8,000 square-foot education building with museum exhibits, gift shop, and classroom. A lodge for over-night stays, picnic shelter, hiking trails, observation tower, and caretaker residence.

Position Purpose:

The ideal candidate for the Nature Center Director position will be someone who values and understands the rich history and mission of the nature center and the Horicon Marsh. The candidate will possess strong communication skills necessary to maintain current public relations pertaining to the nature center while attracting new supporters/volunteers. The candidate must have a passion for nature education and the desire to share that passion with the community by developing on and off-site educational programs, planning field trips, and hosting special events. The candidate will demonstrate existing knowledge, skill and ability pertaining to captive wildlife/animal care and management at a high level.

The Nature Center Director routinely collaborates with the board of directors and a strong volunteer base in decision-making processes regarding Marsh Haven Nature Center operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science-based, natural resources, environmental related field, or comparative field experience
• Captive wildlife, behavioral science, and animal handling experience is preferred
• Business and accounting management skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Grant writing and fundraising skills

Primary Duties:

• Overseeing day-to-day operation of nature center facility
• Planning, scheduling, and presenting education programs
• Recruiting and retaining volunteer base
• Planning, scheduling, organizing and coordinating special events
• Care, feeding and training of animal ambassadors – raptors, reptiles, and other bird species
• Presenting education programs with animal ambassadors
• Scheduling and prepping for facility rentals
• Communications – Emails, phone calls. Update website and social media accounts
• Write articles for newsletter (3x/year)
• Reports, financial deposits, annual permit renewals, mailings, fundraising letters, board meeting prep
   

Benefits & Working Conditions:

This position requires that the director live on-site. Housing is provided with a three-bedroom home on the nature center property, with utilities, internet service, and cell phone all covered.  Mileage is paid to and from programs and there is flexibility in scheduling of work hours.

It requires the daily care of animal ambassadors. Many programs and events are scheduled on weekends, with some evenings required. Assume travel to off-site community events and education programs. Physical requirements: hike outdoors on varying terrain, working outside in all weather conditions, ability to lift up to 30 lbs., ability to assist with event set-up and clean-up, ability to prepare diets for carnivorous animals, and ability to handle raptors and reptiles.

Compensation:

Monthly salary - $1,800 plus $2,000 value in competitive housing expenses (newer private three-bedroom house with garage, paid utilities including: internet, electric, heat and cell phone). Flexible hours with expectation of 30 to 40 hours a week required. There is quite a bit of flexibility in this position, including start date. The board will support this position through paid continuing education, projects and programming of interest, networking through environmental education memberships, and possible incentives based on grant writing success.

How to Apply:

Email resume, cover letter, and three references to: director@marshhaven.org

Applications will be accepted until 5/1/23