Paradise Point Nature Center Director: Full-time, seasonal

TITLE: Paradise Point Nature Center Director  

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by directing and overseeing the various functions of the Center including basic building maintenance, boat rental program aimed at maximizing profits, marketing and facilitating free on-site educational programs for families, off-site educational programs for Camp Mayhew, and basic trail maintenance at area wildlife sanctuaries. 

LOCATION: Paradise Point Nature Center – Hebron, NH (on Newfound Lake) 

HOURS: 35-40 hours per week during peak season Memorial Day – Labor Day; seasonal full-time exempt (salary paid) staff position. Additional 15-20 total hours per month, as needed, during pre-season months of March, April and May paid hourly. Additional hours may be required as necessary. 

SCHEDULE: Days vary according to Center needs; peak season includes Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours will vary depending on Center needs. Anticipated schedule: Weekends 8 am to 4 pm; Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9:00 am to 5 pm. Two hours on Tuesday evenings.  Expected to work most holidays and weekends with one 5-day block of time off during the summer.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Ensure efficient and effective management, oversight and promotion of the Paradise Point Nature Center and nearby NH Audubon wildlife sanctuaries in order to generate a positive influence in the community by: 

• Directing and implementing the Center environmental educational programs including planning, budgeting, scheduling, record keeping, and program evaluation. 
• Supervising Center staff including recruiting, hiring, motivating, and developing seasonal and temporary employees.  
• Working collaboratively with center staff in creating and maintaining a welcoming and inviting appearance for the Center.  
• Contributing to a culture of philanthropy by maintaining positive communication and relationships with the Newfound Advisory Committee, visitors, and other supporters, and by collaborating with the Director of Development on philanthropy opportunities specific to the Center and nearby NH Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.   
• Organizing, marketing, and facilitating the local Red Barn Speaker Series weekly for 4-6 weeks highlighting various science and humanities topics. 
• Working in conjunction with the Communications Director to promote the Center and its special events and programs within the community. 
• Working in conjunction with the Communications Director to create and coordinate marketing pieces including print materials and brochures (boat rental marketing fliers, Red Barn Speaker Series fliers, recurring public programming fliers, etc.).  
• Coordinating with the Operations and Events Manager and Maintenance Coordinator to oversee building maintenance and repair. 
• Working in conjunction with Director of Lands and Ecological Management to manage basic trail and property maintenance of Paradise Point, Hebron Marsh, and Bear Mountain Wildlife Sanctuaries.  
• Working in conjunction with the Community Engagement Coordinator to recruit volunteers in compliance with NH Audubon volunteer policies; Train and supervise recruited volunteers as needed. 
• Generating visitor attendance reports and updating visitor database information. 
• Implementing and coordinating special events such as a table and activities at the Hebron Fair. 
• Serving as the Center liaison with existing partners including but not limited to, Newfound Audubon Advisory Committee and Mayhew Camp. 
• Providing and overseeing all aspects of on-site animal care (box turtle & corn snake).  
• Supervising care of nature center exhibits; developing and creating attractive new, educational exhibits as needed.  
• Performing other duties as assigned. 

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Conservation Program Director 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoor/outdoor setting with varied terrain; Non-smoking environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Environmental Education, Natural Science, or Business Administration preferred. 

Experience: Three to five years environmental education and/or business administration experience including program and event administration experience required with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, budgeting, management and supervisory skills with the ability to work effectively within a diverse community. Previous nature center management and education and experience in natural sciences preferred. Experience with volunteer recruitment and retention desirable. Must have ARC or AHA Standard First Aid certification and CPR certification or equivalent, or willingness to obtain certifications prior to the start of employment; ARC First Responder or Life Guard certification or equivalent desirable.   

Interpretive and public speaking experience is a plus, along with canoe and kayak paddling experience. Knowledge of natural sciences is a plus, especially in ornithology, ecology, biology, geology, or other related fields.   

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, solid communication skills and a high degree of organization. Must have the ability to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, ability to work independently, and a professional and courteous manner. Must pass a criminal background check.   

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting about 50 lbs. (transporting and handling canoes and kayaks down steep slopes). Must be able to climb stairs and navigate outdoor trails which includes steep and rocky terrain, lake environment as well as be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks under pressure and be able to function in a fast paced indoors and diverse outdoors environment. Ability to participate in moderately active programming including hiking, kayaking and canoeing as necessary.  

How to apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to the hiring committee at: jobs@nhaudubon.org with the subject line “Paradise Point Director Application”