Conservation and Education Director

Position Summary
The Conservation & Education Director is responsible for the stewardship of the Nature Sanctuary's land, facilities, educational programs, and living collections. This position combines conservation management, environmental education, facility operations, event support, and staff supervision to help fulfill the Sanctuary's mission of connecting people with nature through education, conservation, and community engagement.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, organized individual who enjoys working both outdoors and with the public, is passionate about conservation and environmental education, and is comfortable managing a wide variety of responsibilities throughout the year.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Education & Public Engagement

• Plan, develop, and lead engaging public educational programs, including seasonal and recurring events such as Project FeederWatch, Fairy Tale Forest, Monarch Mania, Saturday programs, and other community activities.
• Coordinate and teach private educational programs, including school field trips, Scout programs, birthday parties, and other group experiences.
• Develop and update curriculum, lesson plans, educational materials, and interpretive activities for public and private programs.
• Assist with scheduling educational programs and facility use.
• Foster positive relationships with visitors, volunteers, schools, and community organizations.

Conservation & Natural Resource Management

• Manage the ecological health of the Sanctuary through habitat restoration and stewardship.
• Monitor wildlife populations and habitat conditions.
• Control invasive plant species and implement restoration projects.
• Maintain trails, including tree removal, trimming, erosion control, and general trail improvements.
• Assist in developing and implementing long-term conservation and land management plans.

Animal Care

• Provide daily care for the Sanctuary's educational animals, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and other species housed in the Interpretive Center.
• Maintain clean, healthy habitats and ensure animals receive proper nutrition and care.
• Monitor animal health and coordinate veterinary care when needed.

Facilities & Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain the Nature Center building, including routine cleaning and upkeep.
• Open and close entrance gate each day.
• Maintain sidewalks and driveway during winter weather through snow and ice removal.
• Mow and maintain grounds surrounding the building, parking areas, and trails.
• Water deck plants and maintain bird and hummingbird feeders.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including mowers, tractors, hand tools, and other maintenance equipment, and coordinate repairs as needed.

Staff Supervision

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal summer camp staff.
• Provide leadership, scheduling, and oversight to seasonal employees, volunteers and interns as assigned.
• Promote a safe, positive, and collaborative work environment.

Events & Organizational Support

• Collaborate with staff and the Board of Directors to plan and implement fundraising events, educational programs, volunteer workdays, and community events.
• Assist with event setup, logistics, and operations.
• Support organizational goals and participate in strategic planning initiatives as requested.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, biology, environmental science, education, parks and recreation, wildlife management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in environmental education or interpretation.
• Knowledge of native ecosystems, conservation practices, and habitat management.
• Understanding of ecological and general natural history of wildlife.
• Experience operating outdoor maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and perform physically demanding outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Experience supervising employees or volunteers.
• Experience with wildlife care or educational animal collections.
• Knowledge of invasive species management and habitat restoration techniques.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Work Schedule
This is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is regularly required to support public programs, special events, and seasonal activities.
Benefits

• Annual salary of $43,000-$48,000
• On-site housing, utilities, and health-care stipend (estimated annual value of $24,000)
• Opportunity to live and work in a unique natural setting
• Professional development opportunities
• Meaningful work supporting conservation, environmental education, and community engagement

 
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to mltnsboard@gmail.com.
Applications will be accepted through November 10, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Anticipated start date: January 2027