Education, conservation, nature access, and community – these are the pillars of Friends of Rye Nature Center’s (FRNC) mission. As the operator of the 47-acre Rye Nature Center, FRNC is the primary steward of Rye’s municipal park and the leading environmental educator in our local community. Annually, we serve over 50,000 people through volunteer events, workshops, public programs, summer camp, and our premier Forest Preschool.
About this Opportunity
Our next Director of Conservation and Land Stewardship will be joining FRNC at a pivotal moment of expansive investment as we implement several key forest restoration projects and capital improvements. In addition to managing a team of land stewards, seasonal staff, and interns, our Conservation Director will work closely with our senior leadership team and board of directors on executing the long-term strategic goals of the organization. If you are an accomplished land conservation professional and/or forester who wants to make a lasting impact on the ecological health and biodiversity within a high achieving community, the opportunity to be a part of FRNC’s next phase of organizational growth may deeply resonate with you.
Ideal candidates will be experienced managers of people, projects, and plants as this role requires social acumen, excellent organizational skills, and master’s level knowledge of local flora and fauna. Experience in public park and facilities management is also preferred as the role requires day-to-day oversight of a 47-acre public space. Humor, intelligent decision making, and high standards of excellence are also preferred. This is a full-time position, offering a competitive salary and benefits package.
Candidates are expected to have all or most of the following qualifications.
Master’s in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or similar. Minimum of 5 years working in conservation, forestry, or recreation with increasing responsibilities.
Forester or arborist certification preferred. Proficient in GIS, Microsoft Suite, and Google software.
Demonstrated leadership experience and capacity for executing strategic plans. Previous experience as a supervisor/educator preferred.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with local officials, partners, and volunteers on community outreach initiatives to promote the Nature Center and strengthen community engagement.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate and respond to both internal staff and external stakeholders professionally and in a timely manner. Must have the ability to read, interpret, write and complete documents such as reports, newsletters, and general correspondence.
Ability to do physical work, including operating special equipment like chainsaws, tractors, snowplows, and other park maintenance tools.
Eye for park beautification, with a desire to “make a place ecologically better.”
Strong track record of collaboration and partnership with varying stakeholders to develop successful conservation projects.
Strong capacity to manage time and competing priorities; and ability to communicate potential roadblocks as well as offer solutions.
Comfortable and effective working in a small, busy organization.
Ability to teach ages 7 through 97 with enthusiasm for FRNC’s mission and passion for conservation. Must be comfortable around children.
Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds, hike across sometimes steep or uneven terrain, and have a clean driving record.
Salary range of $85,000 to $105,000 per year is based on education, experience, and demonstrated expertise.