Full-Time Director of Operations at Fair Hill Nature Center

Job Title: Director of Operations

Reports to:  Executive Director

Full-time (exempt) position

Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience

Location:  Fair Hill Nature Center, 630 Tawes Drive, Elkton MD 21921

Start Date:  March 3, 2025

Application Deadline:  February 13, 2025

 

Job Overview:

The Fair Hill Nature Center is seeking a dynamic leader to manage and coordinate our educational programming, summer camp, physical interpretive facilities, and volunteer base.  They will work as part of the leadership team, to achieve the Nature Center’s strategic goals and vision for all education programming.  This position currently supervises a team of educators and seasonal summer camp staff.

 

The Fair Hill Nature Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a vibrant and growing environmental education center serving over 6,500 public elementary school students annually.  FHNC is located in a historic DuPont fox hunting lodge within 5,600 acres of MD State Park.  Our campus showcases 4 main ecosystems, a live animal collection, playscape, outdoor Green Lab and multiple curated nature trails.  

 

Mission, Vision and Values

At the Fair Hill Nature Center, we inspire stewardship and community through outdoor environmental education.  We envision a future where all people have ample opportunity to spend time outside learning, playing, and investigating our natural world; where youth feel deeply connected with nature and a sense of responsibility towards protecting our natural spaces and resources; where our definition of community includes not only human beings, but all aspects of the earth’s ecosystem: air, land, water, plants and animals.  When we treat all parts of our community with respect, everyone thrives.  

FHNC Values:  Integrity, Kindness, Dedication, Inclusivity, Curiosity

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages an innovative program of hands-on outdoor environmental education and nature-based play consisting of school-age field trips, community programming, adult education, preschool programs, summer camps, and special events.

2. Recruits and manages an enthusiastic team of permanent and seasonal education staff.  Responsible for training, scheduling, developing, and HR-related tasks.

3. Works closely with Nature Center leadership to set educational priorities, strategic initiatives, and monitor outcomes.

4. Oversees day-to-day operations of the Nature Center, including budgets for programming and building maintenance.

5. Manages the physical interpretive aspects of the Nature Center including the building, exhibits, animals, playscape, and grounds. 

6. Effectively collects data and communicates feedback to appropriate parties.

7. Manages curriculum which may require ties to specific state environmental and science standards or badge requirements.

8. Performs outreach to new patrons of the Nature Center focusing on school systems in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

9. Builds and maintains strong relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, school districts, parents, and teachers.

10. Serves as a teacher or naturalist for programs, as needed.

11. Fosters a positive and inclusive work culture.

12. Performs other duties, as needed or assigned

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Job Requirements (Knowledge, skills, training, and education)

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, or related field required.

• Experience:  Minimum 3-5 years of experience in environmental education, teaching, experiential learning, curriculum development, or related field. Managerial experience preferred.

• Skills:  

  • Strong knowledge of Maryland Environmental Literacy standards, NGSS, and nature play

  • Social and emotional learning expertise

  • Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Proficiency in excel and basic workplace technology

  • Grant writing experience

• Personal attributes:  

  • Passionate about environmental education and mission-driven work

  • Committed to fostering a love for nature in learners of all ages

  • Creative, Safety-Minded, Inclusive

• Location: Fair Hill Nature Center and outreach locations

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Conditions of Hire 

• Criminal background check

  • A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Applicants must have or be willing to be certified in First Aid & CPR.

 

Benefits

• 2 weeks paid vacation

• Discounted summer camp for household children ages 5-12

• Professional development opportunities

• Collaborative and supportive work environment

 

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3 professional references to laura.hannan@fairhillnature.org.

 

Fair Hill Nature Center is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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