Nature Center Manager

The Nature Center Manager at the City of Fort Worth has a diverse set of responsibilities, including managing staffing, overseeing educational programming, and ensuring proper resource management at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The role entails budgeting, public relations, and maintaining partnerships, while also developing and facilitating natural history-based events for the community.

To apply for the Nature Center Manager position at the City of Fort Worth, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Wildlife Biology or Environmental Education, along with five years of experience in nature center management. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and experience collaborating with non-profit organizations or land conservation efforts.

The City of Fort Worth supports professional development for the Nature Center Manager role by offering opportunities for continuous education and training. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and professional courses to enrich the manager's skills and enhance the effectiveness of the environmental programming at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.

Working conditions for the Nature Center Manager in Fort Worth can vary, with diverse tasks that may require physical activity such as walking, climbing, and managing outdoor programs. You may encounter different weather conditions and environments, as well as engaging in extensive public interaction, making physical and communication skills vital.

The Nature Center Manager position at the City of Fort Worth comes with an enticing benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a pension plan, and various professional development opportunities, making it a well-rounded role for any candidate passionate about nature and community engagement.

When answering this question, highlight specific roles you've held in managing nature centers, detailing staffing, programming, and budgeting responsibilities. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you improved programs and engaged the community.

Discuss various promotional strategies such as social media campaigns, community partnerships, and events that attract diverse audiences. Showcase experiences where your marketing efforts increased public participation in educational programs.

It's essential to discuss the importance of thorough safety protocols, including training, timely risk assessments, and emergency response plans. Share examples from your past experiences managing safety in outdoor or educational settings.

Articulate a balanced perspective on wildlife conservation while promoting public engagement. Share any relevant personal experiences that shaped your views, illustrating how you can educate others on this balance.

Choose a specific program that showcases your creativity and organizational skills. Discuss its objectives, execution, and outcomes, and how it contributed positively to the community and environmental awareness.

Highlight your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing communication and collaboration. Provide an example from your past where you successfully navigated a disagreement and maintained professional relationships.

Discuss your experience in drafting, managing, and adhering to budgets, emphasizing any specific revenue generation or cost-reduction strategies you implemented, demonstrating your financial acumen.

Indicate metrics such as participant feedback, engagement levels, repeat attendance, and community outreach results. Discuss how you would use this data to make informed decisions about future programs.

List skills relevant to the role such as staff management, environmental education, community engagement, and wildlife handling. Use past experiences to illustrate how these skills have been beneficial in similar roles.

Express your passion for environmental education, community involvement, and wildlife conservation. Discuss how the City of Fort Worth’s values align with your professional aspirations and the contributions you envision making to the Nature Center.