Manager Center

Position: Manager of the Nature Center

Reports To: Director of the Nature Center & Camps

Position Type: Full time, Year- round, Non-exempt.

Hours: 40 hours a week to include one weekend day/week; nights/holidays as needed.

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).

The Manager of the Nature Center supports both Nature Center and Camp programming and is responsible for day-to-day and seasonal interpretation, Scout program development and delivery, maple sugaring, and playing a critical role in the camp leadership team.

• Nature Center Programming – 40%
• Support the development, documentation, and delivery of a variety of Nature Center-based programs including:
• Naturalist- and self-guided interpretation experiences for general admission (animal encounters, indoor exhibits, trail and interpretive signage, and outdoor exhibits, spaces, and gardens)
• Scout programs (day, overnight, and Merit Badge classes)
• Seasonal nature-based events
• Nature Center education programs
• Bluebird nest box program

• Camp Leadership - 30%
• Support the development and regular evaluation of 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.
• Contribute to administrative camp functions including camp and program registration, acquisition and distribution of youth costumes and other supplies, scheduling, and implementation of the camp operations plan.
• Serve as a Nature Center educator during summer camp, especially related to fishing and Oatka Creek programs.

• Maple Sugaring Operation - 20%
• Support the management of 250 - 400 tap maple sugaring production and interpretive operation including:
• Maintenance of 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
• 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
• Maintaining the Sugar House as year-round space for interpretation and visitation

• Operational Support – 10%
• 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

All-hands‑on deck tasks are a requirement for all staff members- regardless of job title or seniority within the organization and may include assisting with food service, programming, and set up and tear down of large-scale events at the Museum.

• 2 - 4 years combined education or work experience in outdoor & environmental education, applied sciences, and/or camp management
• Working knowledge of natural history, ecology, conservation, and maple sugaring strongly desired
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and customer service skills, plus the…