935 North Highway 86
Lakefield, MN 56150
507-662-5064
WWW.ECOLOGYBUS.ORG
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Regional Nature Center Executive Director
The Prairie Ecology Bus Center (PEBC) is a regional, non-profit environmental education program serving 20+ counties in SW
Minnesota and northern Iowa. It’s home to a program unique in North America - the Ecology Bus. The Executive Director (ED)
oversees the Prairie Ecology Bus Center (PEBC) – a regional, environmental education program serving southern and western
Minnesota and northern Iowa. The ED is responsible for implementing the PEBC’s overall strategic direction, leadership, fundraising,
staffing, supervision, and administration of educational programming and outreach services. This is a full-time, permanent position
requiring a diverse schedule that may include occasional evenings and weekends in addition to weekday business hours.
START DATE: Position to begin Spring of 2016. Applications accepted until March 31, 2016 or until a suitable candidate is hired.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Directs and supervises nature center facilities and programs.
• Works to fulfill the mission of the nature center.
• Supervises and coordinates a working team of staff professionals and volunteers.
• Oversees environmental education and outreach programming in conjunction with Program Coordinator.
• Maintains a high level of professional customer service for program participants, members, volunteers and the public.
• Hires and trains new staff including CDL licensure (commercial drivers license) with the Ecology Bus.
• Manages operating budget and seeks innovative funding for special programs, projects and general operations including
writing grants and administering grant-funded projects.
• Performs administrative duties, writes reports, directs strategic and long-range planning.
• Responsible for public relations and member communications, including producing newsletters, website and social media
content, press releases and development of articles.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with a variety of organizations and partners.
• Promotes public interest in the facility and programs.
• Evaluates employees, procedures and programs.
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Ensures facilities and programs are well maintained, safe and accessible in cooperation with Jackson County Parks and the
City of Lakefield.
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Maintain office equipment, computers, oversee facility maintenance and vehicle maintenance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education, Biology or related field from an accredited college or
university AND (3) years experience directly related to nature center mangement with familiarity with nonprofit organizations AND
two (2) years supervisory experience in environmental education AND (2) years minimum of experience teaching outdoor education
programs. Must possess excellent communication skills in writing and oral communications. Excellent computer skills required
including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Criminal history background check will be required. Valid driver’s license with
clean driving record required. Must be eligible to obtain a Class B CDL license within 3 months of hiring. Personal transportation
required for periodic errands and meetings. Ability to work with diverse groups of stakeholders and comfortable being involved in a
wide variety of tasks from public speaking to direct solicitation of donors. Knowledge about grant writing and fundraising with
proven success in obtaining significant grants; ability to facilitate grant development and to identify important new grant and donor
opportunities. Must have a love of travel and working with diverse ages and groups. Desire to live in a rural region and comfort
comfortable working and living in a smaller community in Minnesota.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/EXPERIENCE
• Master’s Degree in Environmental Education, Nature Center Administration or related field
• Experience in planning, organizing, and supervising programs and projects such as capital campaigns
• Demonstrated history of success in management, fundraising and strategic planning
• Ability to evaluate effectiveness of programs and implement changes
• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and database programs helpful. Knowledge of website management, a plus
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Understanding and knowledge of diesel engines and commercial vehicles
Salary & Benefits are commensurate with education and experience and competitive with area non-profits including paid vacation
and health benefits. The PEBC offers a fun atmosphere, welcoming community and great satisfaction in being part of environmental
education in MN! Southern Minnesota offers a high quality of life with easy access to urban areas and diverse outdoor recreation.
Contact Chrystal at ecologybus@ecologybus.org for full position description and application form.