Nature Center Director

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 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

Other Possible Duties:

• Grant writing
• Facility Maintenance and Upkeep
• New program development
• Fundraising Campaigns
   

Benefits & Working Conditions:

This position provides the director with a three-bedroom home on the nature center property, utilities, internet service, cell phone, mileage, and 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.

How to Apply:

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

Applications will be accepted until position is filled