Director of Nature Center & Camps

Position: Director of the Nature Center & Camps Reports To: Vice President of Programs Position Type: Full time, Year- round, Non-exempt. Direct Reports: 1 Full-time Staff, 2 Seasonal Intern, Camp Teachers, and Volunteers Hours: 40 hours a week, working Monday-Friday. Weekends, Nights, and Holidays as needed. Who We Are: Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art (700 pieces) and 19th-century clothing (4,000 pieces). Position Overview: The Director of the Nature Center & Camps is responsible for day-to-day and seasonal interpretive programming and management of Genesee Country Nature Center and spring break, summer, and family camps and programs. Responsibilities (Including but not limited to): Daily Operations – 20% Develop, document, and deliver naturalist- and self-guided interpretation experience for general admission including animal encounters, indoor exhibits, trail and interpretive signage, and outdoor exhibits, spaces, and gardens; train and schedule naturalist to provide interpretation Develop and manage Nature Center and Camp budgets; ensure expenses are management, invoices are paid on time, and revenue goals are met Plan and prepare workshops, tours, lectures, and symposiums to further educate the public regarding natural history, habitats, and maple sugaring and to meet visitor interest and budgetary needs Develop, manage, and deliver four annual Nature Center events Support education and special events in collaboration with education and events teams; lead nature-based interpretation, provide staffing and other support for field trips, and maintain nature-oriented program supplies Oversee nest box management program and database for bird nest box monitoring including the supervision of 8-12 volunteers who collect data and help with the program Manage and grow BSA and Girl Scout daytime, overnight, and merit badge programs; maintain relationships with local troops and councils; schedule staff and volunteers for scout programs, workshops, events, and daily interpretation Camp Administration & Program Management - 20% Develop and regularly evaluate 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. Manage and maintain administrative functions including camp permits and health and safety plans, all facets of camp and program registration, acquisition and distribution of youth costumes and other supplies, scheduling, and implementation of the camp operations plan, including effective coordination with Facilities, Interpretation, Curatorial, Visitor Services, and other departments essential to supporting camp operations. Serve as a Nature Center educator for community outreach, school, and youth group programs (i.e. scouts); teach, facilitate, and lead tours and/or demonstrations Staff Supervision & Development - 20% Directly supervise supporting manager; schedule regular check-ins to ensure goals are established and met and staff needs are addressed Recruit, train, and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers involved in delivering camp and youth programs. Serve as the primary champion and coach for camp culture and youth safety, ensuring that clear expectations are set regarding fostering a culture of respect and care among all adult and youth participants and their surroundings. Maple Sugaring Operation - 20% Manage 250 - 400 tap maple sugaring production and interpretive operation Maintain 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 Manage the 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 Maintain Sugar House as year-round space for interpretation and visitation Operational Support – 20% Provide information to and support for marketing department to build awareness of Genesee Country Nature Center and youth and family programs including camps Manage the 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 Hold and renew NYS License to Collect or Possess for education and exhibition Other duties as needed – GCV&M’s culture occasionally asks staff to assist cross-departmentally for the benefit of guest experience and shared workload. Examples include greeting buses for field trips or moving chairs between events to reset a space Minimum Qualifications: 5 – 7 years combined education or work experience in camp management; classroom teaching and/or interpretive experience preferred 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 Working Conditions: Ability to stand for extended periods of time Working in inclement weather including rain, snow, heat, and cold. Walk up to 3 miles a day on different types of terrain. Perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing, lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary: $24 – 26 per hour Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Commitment to Representation: Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented. Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed toexpanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections,the telling of history, andoutdoorspaces.Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Genesee Country Village & Museum