Excellence in Environmental Education from the Mountains to the Sea

Job Posting: Paradise Point Nature Center Coordinator

TITLE: Paradise Point Nature Center Coordinator

LOCATIONS:
• May – September: Paradise Point Nature Center – Hebron, NH (on Newfound Lake)
• September – April: NH Audubon State Headquarters – Concord, NH

HOURS: 35 hours per week; permanent full-time exempt (salary paid) staff position.

SCHEDULE: Days vary according to program needs throughout the year.

Summer season includes Memorial Day through Labor Day stationed at Paradise Point Nature Center with days/hours as follows: Weekends 8 am to 4 pm; Monday and Friday 9:00 am to 5 pm; Tuesday 11 am to 7 pm. Days off: Wednesdays & Thursdays. Expected to work most summer holidays and weekends with one 5-day block of time off during the summer balancing this time off with subordinate coverage of the Center’s operation.

Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons are primarily based out of the McLane Center in Concord. A typical week will be Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm with occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs. Some flexibility is available for the right candidate, with occasional remote work permitted. Travel is required to facilitate programs in various locations (mileage reimbursed at the federal rate).

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by 1) directing and overseeing the various functions of the Paradise Point Nature Center including basic building maintenance, retail management for a small gift shop and boat rental service, marketing and facilitating on-site educational programs for families, off-site educational programs for Camp Mayhew, and report basic trail maintenance needs from nearby NH Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries; and 2) developing, marketing, and facilitating educational programs at the Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton, and supporting other educational functions including off-site school programs and on-site field trips.

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Conservation Program Director

MANAGEMENT: This position supervises 1 seasonal staff and possibly 1-3 volunteers at the Paradise Point Nature Center during the summer season.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure efficient and effective management, oversight and promotion of the Paradise Point Nature Center and nearby NH Audubon wildlife sanctuaries 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 training 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.
• Manage and maintain a fleet of personal watercraft and associated rental program while maximizing safety and profitability.
• Organizing, marketing, and facilitating a local guest lecturer series weekly for 4-6 weeks highlighting various science and humanities topics (Red Barn Speaker Series).
• Working in conjunction with the Communications Director and Digital Media Coordinator to promote the Center and its special events and programs within the community AND 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 report basic trail and property maintenance needs of Paradise Point, Hebron Marsh, and Bear Mountain Wildlife Sanctuaries through routine walks.
• Working in conjunction with the Community Outreach 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, Newfound Lake Region Association, and local summer camps.
• Supervising care of nature center exhibits.
• With the guidance of the Conservation Program Director, oversee aspects of the historic rehabilitation of Ash Cottage, which will become seasonal staff housing available to the candidate upon completion in 2024 or 2025.

Provide high-quality environmental education experiences for preK-12 youth, adult, and family audiences in a variety of settings. Specific responsibilities including but not limited to:
• Develop, market, and facilitate environmental education programs for youth, adult, and family audiences specifically at the Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton, NH on a regular basis.
• Create and maintain adaptable lesson plans for programs delivered using NH Audubon’s lesson template.
• Consistently solicit program evaluation from participants to systematically improve teaching methods to achieve learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Conservation Program Director and Grants Manager to propose innovative environmental education projects and programs to local, state, and federal funders.
• Support the facilitation of NH Audubon educational activities as needed at Centers and at off-site programming in collaboration with other members of the Education Department.
• Provide staff support for major NH Audubon events (including Annual Meeting, Enchanted Forest, Earth Day) as well as community-based events.
• Performing other duties as assigned.


WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity. Our offices are non-smoking and accessible, with both open workspaces and private offices. Expected to work in indoor & outdoor settings with varied terrain.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Some higher education coursework in Environmental Education, Natural Science, or Business Administration required. Bachelor’s degree in those or other applicable subjects preferred.

Experience: Three to five years environmental education and/or business administration experience including program and event facilitation experience with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions required. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience working within budgets, management, and supervisory skills and 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 also desirable.

Interpretive and public speaking experience is required. Canoe and kayak paddling experience; knowledge of natural sciences is preferred, 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. Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and can provide COVID vaccination card. Access to reliable personal transportation and maintaining a clean driving record is a necessity.

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.

COMPENSATION
• $20-22 an hour, salaried at 35 hrs/wk; commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for NH Audubon’s generous benefit package, including paid time off (13 holidays, vacation, & sick time), medical and dental plans, a health reimbursement agreement, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

TO APPLY: please send cover letter and resume to the hiring committee at: jobs@nhaudubon.org with the subject line “Paradise Point Nature Center Coordinator Application”

Colleen Nebesnak
NH Audubon
jobs@nhaudubon.org