Assistant Nature Center Manager

Missouri Department of Conservation; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking a Nature Center Supervisor to lead staff and volunteers, develop interpretive programs, and manage day-to-day operations of the nature center building and grounds.

You will recruit, train, and supervise naturalist staff, coordinate school and civic group visits, and promote conservation through outreach and media appearances. Some evenings and weekends required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interpretation, Education, Biology, Forestry, Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in interpretation, resource management, or nature center work.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• National Association for Interpretation, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG), preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise naturalist staff and volunteers; to include assigning work responsibilities, completing annual performance appraisals, monitoring budgets, and scheduling.
• Coordinate volunteer programs, facilitate regular volunteer meetings and training opportunities for continuing education.
• Develop, present and oversee special events, interpretive programs, school programs, and outdoor skills activities in person and virtually.
• Assist the nature center manager with decision making in regards to staff, facility, and grounds and serves as acting manager in their absence.
• Work closely with the administrative staff to schedule school groups, civic groups, and meeting requests.
• Provide quality customer service including answering questions from the public on matters relating to natural history, Department functions, wildlife code interpretation, and conservation by phone, mail, email or in-person.
• Manage and approve time sheets, contracts, purchasing card logs, and other required reports.
• Assist with promotion of the Department and conservation thorough a variety of media including TV, radio, newspaper interviews.
• Overseeand assistwith work on native plant gardens, land/habitat management activities (invasive species removal) and managed hunts.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Interpreting programs

Public outreach

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interpretation, Education, Biology, Forestry, Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, or related field

Job description

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Closing Date: September 25, 2026

Interview Date: TBD

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

Summary/Objective

Develop and provide opportunities for all Missouri citizens to use, enjoy, explore and learn about Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources through interpretive programs. Supervise naturalist staff, coordinate public programs, lead the nature center volunteer program, and assist the nature center manager with the day to day operations of the nature center building and grounds.

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise naturalist staff and volunteers; to include assigning work responsibilities, completing annual performance appraisals, monitoring budgets, and scheduling.
• Coordinate volunteer programs, facilitate regular volunteer meetings and training opportunities for continuing education.
• Develop, present and oversee special events, interpretive programs, school programs, and outdoor skills activities in person and virtually.
• Assist the nature center manager with decision making in regards to staff, facility, and grounds and serves as acting manager in their absence.
• Work closely with the administrative staff to schedule school groups, civic groups, and meeting requests.
• Provide quality customer service including answering questions from the public on matters relating to natural history, Department functions, wildlife code interpretation, and conservation by phone, mail, email or in-person.
• Manage and approve time sheets, contracts, purchasing card logs, and other required reports.
• Assist with promotion of the Department and conservation thorough a variety of media including TV, radio, newspaper interviews.
• Overseeand assistwith work on native plant gardens, land/habitat management activities (invasive species removal) and managed hunts.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serve on Department work teams, internal, and external committees.
• Support MDC agency-wide priorities, including assisting with CWD management efforts, feral hog trapping,Comprehensive Conservation Strategies, Community Conservation Teams, invasive species (plants or animals) removal, and priority geography area management.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Interpretation, Education, Biology, Forestry, Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in interpretation, resource management, or nature center work.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• National Association for Interpretation, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to make independent decisions and act decisively on the determined course of action.
• Knowledge to evaluate and analyze Branch programs and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in interpreting Department and Branch policies and procedures and in delegating responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with partner groups, teachers and school administrators, civic and non-governmental organization leaders, members of the news media, Department personnel and the public.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment, in a variety of outdoor conditions, and occasionally in a remote setting and where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
• Work varying shifts and hours including some evenings and weekends.

Physical Abilities

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Exemptaccording to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.