Interim Nature Sanctuary Director

Leave Replacement for the period June 11, 2024, through December 20, 2024. Position will not be extended. 

Job Description: The Interim Nature Sanctuary Director will oversee all operations for the Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes which is open to members and the public providing youth and family nature-based education programs including school field trips, summer camp, and community events, visitor center, gift shop, and 14 acres of trails. This on-site position will also supervise full-time and seasonal staff, coordinate volunteers, and manage facilities and ground maintenance.    

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Maintain a welcoming space and foster good relationships with our visitors, volunteers, staff, members, local organizations, and community.  
• Oversee camp administration which includes filing reports with the NJ Department of Health, managing camp financial activity, forms, and parent communications through the ACTIVE portal, serving as camp health director and backup educator, and addressing elevated concerns. 
• Supervise Camp Director’s coordination of staff and volunteers to provide high quality service and education program experiences for all participants, and support training of seasonal staff. 
• Oversee and manage aspects of the gift shop including staffing, submitting merchandise preorder/reorders, end of summer inventory, and monthly store reconciliation. 
• Ensure the safety, maintenance, stewardship, and security of sanctuary property and alert NJ Audubon management of facilities and grounds maintenance issues that need attention. 
• Responsible for risk management and ensuring youth safety by following state and organizational policies, processes, and procedures.  
• Represent NJ Audubon in the local community.
• Promote programs in NJ Audubon’s event calendar, social media, and community-outlets. 
• Lead camp staff meetings and attend department and organization meetings as requested by supervisor.  
• Deposit checks, submit timesheets and expenditures, track performance according to budget and conservation priorities, and provide data for reports.    
• Participate with New Jersey Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations. 
• Other duties/responsibilities may be assigned. 

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills 

• Degree required, in the sciences or education preferred. 
• Previously employed in a similar role with extensive leadership experience in each area of responsibility: 
  • outdoor/environmental education 
  • camp management  
  • nature center/sanctuary management 
  • staff recruitment, training, and supervision 
  • volunteer coordination 
• Knowledge or strong interest of NJ flora, fauna, and habitats, foundation in conservation science preferred. 
• Strong computer (Microsoft Office 365) and social media skills to fulfil job requirements. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Excellent organization, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meeting deadlines. 
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback. 
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of his or her responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude 
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality 
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed. 
• Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ, have the physical capacity to walk throughout the land and buildings of the sanctuary, be able to move materials and to lift up to 50 lbs. and operate mechanical equipment as needed. 
• First Aid and CPR certified (current or completed before start date) and other public safety certification appropriate for the activities at the site including satisfactory background check. 
• Must live in New Jersey.