Job Description
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Description
Who We Are:
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).
Position Overview:
The Manager of the Nature Center is responsible for day-to-day and seasonal interpretive programming and management of Genesee Country Nature Center including a 400-tap maple sugaring operation.
- Reports To:Vice President of Programs
- Position Type:Full time, Year- round, Non-Exempt.
- Direct Reports:1 Seasonal Intern and Volunteers
- Hours: 40 hours a week, Weekends, Nights, and Holidays as needed.
Responsibilities (Including but not limited to):
Event and Program Management - 40%
- Develop, document, and deliver naturalist- and self-guided interpretation experience for general admission including animal encounters, indoor exhibits, trail and interpretive signage, and outdoor exhibits, spaces, and gardens
- Manage and grow BSA and Girl Scout daytime, overnight, and merit badge programs; maintain relationships with local troops and councils
- Plan and prepare workshops, tours, lectures, and symposiums to further educate the public regarding natural history, habitats, and maple sugaring and to meet visitor interest and budgetary needs
- Manage annual Nature Center events including Owl Moon, Big Night for Salamanders, and Firefly Fridays
- Support education, camp programs, and special events in collaboration with education and events teams; lead nature-based interpretation, provide weekly programming and support during spring and summer camp, and maintain nature-oriented program supplies
- Oversee nest box management program and database for bird nest box monitoring including the supervision of 8-12 volunteers who collect data and help with the program
- Build, maintain, and be a representative for recreation, conservation, and other community partnerships related to the Nature Center
Maple Sugaring Operation - 30%
- Manage 250 - 400 tap maple sugaring production operation and maintain 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
- Manage the 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
- Maintain production records year-to-year
- Maintain Sugar House as year-round space for interpretation and visitation
Operational Support – 30%
- Develop and manage budgets; ensure invoices are paid on time and budget goals are met
Provide information to and support for marketing department to build awareness of Genesee Country Nature Center and programs - Manage the care for animals, including turtles and bees, and natural collections
- Maintain equipment, supplies, and Nature Center spaces in collaboration with Facilities department; assess and communicate trail maintenance needs to Facilities
- Schedule staff and volunteers for scout programs, workshops, events, and daily interpretation
- Request and supervise Nature Center volunteers and coordinate volunteer projects and scheduling as necessary
- Hold and renew NYS License to Collect or Possess for education and exhibition
- Other duties as needed – GCV&M’s culture occasionally asks staff to assist cross-departmentally for the benefit of guest experience and shared workload. Examples include greeting buses for field trips or moving chairs between events to reset a space
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner
- 5 – 7 years combined education or work experience in environmental education, parks and recreation, or related fields; classroom teaching, camp facilitation and/or interpretive experience preferred
- Working knowledge of natural history, ecology, conservation, and maple sugaring strongly desired
- Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and customer service skills, plus the ability to be cool under pressure and maintain a constant problem-solving attitude.
- Strong communications skills, written and oral, including teaching and presentations skills and supervision; ability to work independently, be highly motivated, and manage multiple projects at once in a fast-paced work environment
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Working Conditions:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Working in inclement weather including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
- Walk up to 3 miles a day on different types of terrain.
- Perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing, lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds
Compensation
- Salary: $20-22 per hour
- Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program.
Commitment to Representation:Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented.
Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Internship, Seasonal work, Local area, Night shift, Weekend work,