[Community_garden] Naturalist Program Manager Position -- text only

[Lisa Rose Starner]

Below.


Lisa Rose Starner, MPA
Executive Director
Blandford Nature Center                    Mixed Greens
1715 Hillburn NW                             1444 Lake DR SE
Grand Rapids MI 49504                    Grand Rapids MI 49506
616.240.6480
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BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER
NATURALIST PROGRAM MANAGER
JOB DESCRIPTION

MISSION
The mission of the Blandford Nature Center (Grand Rapids, MI) is to conserve
a natural area that provides experiences in environmental education and
serves in developing a greater understanding of the relationship between
nature and community.  Blandford Nature Center (BNC) is in a unique and
exciting position of undertaking an organizational transition to become an
independent nonprofit.  This transition will enable Blandford to capitalize
on its location in an urban setting and leverage its strong community
partnerships to provide innovative educational programming for youth and the
general community.  For more information on the Blandford Nature Center and
its programs, visit online, www.grps.k12.mi.us/blandford, or call
616.819.5540.

JOB SUMMARY
The Naturalist Program Manager is a Full Time Exempt position that reports
directly to the Executive Director of BNC.   The Naturalist Program Manager
will be part of the leadership team to design and evaluate innovative
educational programs that maximizes the strengths of the Nature Center in
relationship to the learning needs of students, youth and family groups,
community based groups, and general public audiences it serves.  This work
includes the management of budgets and operations and the supervision of
staff to support successful programs as well as presenting the work of BNC
to community groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1)	Program Development and Management
Develop and oversee implementation of existing and new programming in line
with the mission and vision of the Blandford Nature Center
o	Community Based Education Programs
o	Lead in the development of new programming with input from a cross
representative team of general public audiences, youth and family groups,
community based groups.
o	Manage the community based education programs and opportunities,
including the coordination of staff, materials, curriculum, budget, and
schedules to meet the needs of programs.
o	Conduct program evaluation and creates a continuous improvement
process
o	School Based Educational Programs
o	Lead in the development of the education programs and opportunities
for Grand Rapids Public Schools and other school groups in collaboration
with the school based program coordinator and GRPS curriculum staff.
o	Provide oversight to the school based program coordinator to ensure
coordination of staff, materials, curriculum, budget, and schedules to meet
the needs of programs.
o	Work with the school based program coordinator for program
evaluation and a continuous improvement process
2) Naturalist and Land Management
o	Assist in and provide leadership in the planning and management of
the facilities natural areas and natural resource management needs which
support the strategic programming needs.  Includes input to the development
of the long-term (5 year) land use plan for the Blandford Nature Center that
outlines how the Center's habitats will be reclaimed and managed.
o	Serve as the resource for publishing on behalf of the Blandford
Nature Center's programs
o	Serve as a resource for program development on natural history and
Michigan history programs.  Provide oversight of development of interpretive
displays, brochures and other communication and educational tools.
o	Provide training for volunteers and staff.
3) Day-Day Operations
o	Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure BNC runs smoothly
on a daily basis.
o	Provide leadership with staff to promote teamwork to provide
excellent experiences for visitors
o	Supervise and support staff in their daily work.
o	Represent the institution while working with group leaders and
visitors
o	Conduct classes and programs as needed

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are
representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.  Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Education, Natural History Interpretation
or other related field; at least two years of management or naturalist
experience in a nature center setting; experience in programming for the
public and schools; or any equivalent combination of training and
experience.

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to compose and maintain clear and detailed records.  Demonstrate
excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan, establish
priorities, and handle multiple tasks and projects.  Ability to effectively
present information in one-on-one and large group situations.  Ability to
work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.


ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Ability to support a volunteer program base.  Ability to promote fund
development through grant writing, donor prospecting, and other methods.
Prior experience in education and a working knowledge of the nonprofit
sector is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the requirements of this job, the employee is regularly
required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, or walk for extended periods of time.
The employee occasionally must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.  The
position also requires frequent use of basic power tools.  Additionally,
employee must posses ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather
conditions including rain, snow, heat and cold; as well as the ability to
move in a variety of trail conditions, including icy, wet, brushy, muddy and
steep surfaces.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Independently mobile, must posses own transportation, and be able to work a
flexible schedule, with some evening and weekend work required.

COMPENSATION
Salary commensurate with experience.  Benefits include medical and dental, a
generous holiday and vacation package, as well a 403(b) retirement plan.

TO APPLY
For consideration, please submit a cover letter detailing your experience
pertinent to this position as well as your salary requirements, your resume,
and 3 references by April 4, 2007. Applicants may be asked to complete
additional application materials.  Early applications and electronic
submissions are strongly encouraged.  Please email (as attachments) to Lisa
Rose Starner, lisa.rose at mixedgreens.org.  Snail mail:  Lisa Rose Starner,
The Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504.  No
faxes or calls please.

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