Manager of the Nature Center

Genesee Country Village & Museum; Mumford (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

NYS Disability

Supplemental Disability

Vacation

Personal time

Floating Holidays

NYS Sick Leave

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Genesee Country Village & Museum seeks a Manager of the Nature Center to lead day-to-day programming, oversee Scout and camp activities, and manage maple sugaring operations. This full-time role requires strong communication, collaboration, and the ability to work with diverse audiences.

The position includes developing curricula, coordinating registrations, and serving as an educator during summer camps, with responsibilities across nature programs, events, and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• 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 ability to work well under pressure and maintain a constant problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities, in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and registration software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and deliver a variety of Nature Center programs.
• Support Scout programs (day, overnight, and Merit Badge classes).
• Seasonal nature-based events.
• Nature Center education programs.
• Bluebird nest box program.
• Develop and evaluate camp, family, and youth programs; provide curricula and lesson plans.

Skills

Outdoor education

Camp management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Data management

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Natural history

Ecology

Maple sugaring

Experience in outdoor education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Registration software

Job description

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.

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 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.

Responsibilities (Including but not limited to)

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 ability to work well under pressure and maintain a constant problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities, in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner
• 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and registration software.
• 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 50 pounds.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary

$20 – 21 per hour

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• NYS Disability
• Supplemental Disability
• Vacation
• Personal time
• Floating Holidays
• accrued NYS Sick Leave
• an employee assistance program

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.

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 outdoorspaces. 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.