Nature Center Manager

Missouri Department of Conservation; Blue Springs (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Department of Conservation seeks an operational leader for Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. You will supervise staff, plan interpretive programs, and oversee building operations, exhibits, and grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities include budget oversight, alarm coordination, marketing efforts, and collaboration with authorities. Qualifications include a relevant degree, 5 years' experience with 2 in supervision, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interpretation, Education, Biology, Forestry or related.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in interpretation, resource management, nature center direction or related work, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• CPR and First Aid training required, certification preferred.
• National Association for Interpretation Certification preferred.
• Firearms training may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to the Nature Center.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor staff through team meetings and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and local regulations.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate all interpretive programs and hunter education classes.
• Manage overall building operations, including facility scheduling, and exhibit and grounds maintenance.
• Prepare and monitor the budget.
• Communicate with the authorities for burglar/fire alarms.
• Coordinate press releases, newsletters, and other marketing efforts
• Assist with CWD testing and prescribed burns.

Skills

Customer service

Oral communication

Written communication

Time management

Staff supervision

Public engagement

Strategic planning

Safety compliance

Leadership

Travel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Interpretation

Five years of relevant experience

Driver's license

CPR/First Aid certification

NAI Certification preferred

Firearms training may be required

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Job Location: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center - Blue Springs, MO

Closing Date: October 13, 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.

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,Claudine A Lambat [e-mail] or at 816-759-7300, ext. 1128, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Provide operational leadership to the Nature Center.

• Supervise, coach, and mentor staff through team meetings and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and local regulations.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate all interpretive programs and hunter education classes.
• Manage overall building operations, including facility scheduling, and exhibit and grounds maintenance.
• Prepare and monitor the budget.
• Communicate with the authorities for burglar/fire alarms.
• Coordinate press releases, newsletters, and other marketing efforts
• Assist with CWD testing and prescribed burns.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interpretation, Education, Biology, Forestry or related.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in interpretation, resource management, nature center direction or related work, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• CPR and First Aid training required, certification preferred.
• National Association for Interpretation Certification preferred.
• Firearms training may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
• Excellent customer service, as well as, oral and written communication skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Basic accounting and human resources knowledge.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.
• Holds self and team accountable for safety, conduct, performance, professional development, and public engagement.
• Models and upholds the Department’s Code of Conduct, ensuring professional and ethical behavior.
• Motivates, coaches, and develops team members to achieve organizational goals and maximize performance.
• Applies strategic thinking, planning, budgeting, and conservation business principles to decision-making.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Department policies, procedures, and supervisory responsibilities.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement, analyzes root causes, and implements effective solutions.
• Gives and receives constructive feedback while providing timely coaching and support.
• Sets clear SMART objectives, provides resources, and empowers teams to take ownership of results.
• Balances operational efficiency with effective staff management to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborates across diverse perspectives, communicates clearly, and fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, organizational values, and talent development.
• Demonstrates strategic vision by understanding the long-term direction of the Department and Branch, aligning priorities and values, and communicating a clear path toward achieving program goals.
• Work may be performed outdoors where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions are present.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

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 at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• 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.