Nature Center Manager – Decatur, IL
Organization: Macon County Conservation District
Position Title: Nature Center Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Hours & Compensation: No information posted.
Posted On: June 19, 2013.
Organization Overview:
Macon County Conservation District’s mission is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring natural areas and cultural sites so as to leave them unimpaired for future generations.
Description:
This is a senior staff position responsible for the administration, planning and supervision of facilities, programs, searches and staff. Plans, organizes, coordinates and administers a comprehensive program of environmental and cultural education programs, events, facilities and services for Macon County Conservation District citizens.
Responsibilities:
- Supervision of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff including naturalists, interns, historic sites staff and building custodian.
- Evaluate existing programs, research new programs and public needs to consistently improve and expand services. Compile and analyze statistical data and prepare reports about departmental operations. Set goals and implement operational plans based on the needs and data. Provide leadership and guidance to staff related to strategic direction and management of programs and services.
- Research, develop and evaluate interpretive plans for educational facilities.
- Ensure on-going communication and planning with other departments.
- Oversees administrative functions of Rock Springs Nature Center, Homestead Prairie Farm and Bethel School to include budget preparation and oversight, purchasing, personnel, building and exhibit security, animal care, programming and customer service.
- Promote and grow the nature center and other facilities through public presentations, community and civic engagement, frequent contact/cooperation with schools and community organizations, and participation in other activities beneficial to the department. Create and seek opportunities for regional awareness of the nature center through appropriate promotion and marketing.
- Ensure that staff are properly selected, trained, supported, guided and managed to ensure qualified persons are assigned to deliver high quality services. Evaluate staff and volunteers, develop schedules and define work assignments. Prepare bi-weekly payroll and administer policies.
- Make recommendations on policy.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, or local laws and regulations and best management practices applicable to artifact preservation, display, exhibits and other aspects of nature center and historic operations and programs.
- Develop the annual operating budget. Operate the department within the program services budget as approved by the Board of Trustees.
- Assist with fund development and grant writing and facilitation. Manage grants awarded for nature center improvements, collections management, programs, and exhibits.
- Oversee the district’s museum collection, coordinate the collections committee and insure compliance with the collections policy.
- Respond to citizen inquiries. Interpret natural and cultural history and district operations and policies for the public and staff.
- Promote safety in activities of the division and in maintenance of facilities for the public.
- Attend meetings and committee meetings of the Board of Trustees.
- Oversee the management, maintenance and development of the trust course. Evaluate the performance of facilitator contractors to insure quality and safety in programming. Maintain records of course use and statistics.
- Work with the Marketing Specialist for the promotion of programs and facilities.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the natural sciences, environmental educational programming, interpretation of ecological concepts, local flora and fauna, hydrology, geology and current environmental issues.
- Must be competent to supervise and administer the business operations of the program services department. Requires five years of increasingly responsible experience including administrative and supervisory responsibility, environmental education programming, and resource-based recreation programs.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, biology, botany, outdoor recreation or a closely related field in order to perform the necessary supervisory, technical, analytical and advisory duties of the position.
- The position requires experience in organizational management, excellent problem solving skills, and supervision of staff. Possess high level people skills, having the ability to deal tactfully and professionally with sensitive issues. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Must possess valid Illinois drivers license; ability to travel to different work sites. Current First Aid and CPR certification or obtained within six months of hire. Complete a successful background check and drug test.
- Knowledge of basic computer software programs and standard office equipment.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and three professional references to:
Kathleen Merner, Macon County Conservation District, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL
62521 or [email protected].
Contact Information:
Macon County Conservation District, http://www.maconcountyconservation.org
3939 Nearing Land, Decatur, IL 62521
