Jobs
Open Positions at the Nature Center
Volunteer Coordinator (Part-Time)
Click here to download the job description as a PDF
Job Summary
This position is responsible for helping to maintain a robust and effective Volunteer Services program through recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, evaluating, and motivating volunteers to assist with areas of need at either of two locations of the Nature Center or at properties managed by the Nature Center. Performs administrative duties in support of Volunteer Services and assists in the coordination of events as they relate to volunteers. This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) that includes in person office hours as well as flexibility to assist with volunteer groups or events on occasional weekends and/or evenings.
Primary Relationships
This position reports to the Development Director and works closely with the Development department, other staff, and volunteers of all ages and abilities.
Principle Responsibilities
- Maintain ongoing list of volunteer tasks and/or projects to address organizational needs.
- Recruit, place, schedule, and motivate volunteers through relationship building with constituents and promoting the mission of the Nature Center.
- Process individual volunteer applications as well as volunteer group inquiries. Determine placement of individuals through interviewing and complete onboarding within organization; includes personal follow up for individuals and groups as well as tracking volunteer data for measurement of success.
- Coordinate teams of volunteers for corporate or community service and special events; schedule, greet and supervise several different volunteer assignments within day of service or event.
- Maintain ongoing communications with volunteers through in-person contact, phone calls, email, and assistance with volunteer e-newsletter.
- Assist with recognition of volunteers and their contributions to continue the growth of a vibrant, engaged corps of volunteers that includes members, donors and corporate partners; also assist with the planning of annual volunteer celebration event.
- Maintain records of volunteer service for tracking, recognition, publicity, grants and reports.
- Ensure clear communication and use of inclusionary language and practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or a combination of education and/or applicable work experience.
- Enthusiastic, organized individual with strong listening and communication skills.
- Comfortable working harmoniously with varied teams such as staff, volunteers and public.
- Ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects.
- Experience and/or interest in environmental issues and education.
- Familiarity with Google Suite, Blackbaud and other databases (JotForm, Altru) or ability to learn.
How to apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Davnet Conway, Executive Director
[email protected]
About DPNC
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a nonprofit nature center in Mystic, CT that offers environmental education programs for all ages. Since 1946, DPNC has provided the community and visitors with opportunities to better understand and appreciate the natural world and our place in it. DPNC manages and stewards a 400-acre greenway with more than 10 miles of trails that features 17th century stonewalls, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. At the DPNC’s main facility, the woodland campus, guests can discover nature through natural history exhibits and meeting rehabilitated wildlife. The creation of the Coogan Farm in 2013 has added additional layers of education, history, and a Giving Garden that donates thousands of pounds of bio-nutrient rich produce to the food insecure of New London County each year.
We encourage you to visit our social media channels to get a better idea of who we are and what we do:
Environmental Educator (Full-Time)
Click here to download the job description as a PDF
Job Summary
DPNC is seeking an educator to conduct environmental education programs for all ages. This is a year-round, full-time position (40 hours/week), and workdays will be Wednesday–Sunday. Some evening work will be required.
Primary Relationships
This position reports to the Education Director and works closely with the Education department, other staff, volunteers, and program participants of all ages and abilities.
Principle Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing environmental education curriculum.
- Teaching environmental education programs both on and offsite for all ages.
- Handling education animals, including snakes, turtles, and birds of prey.
- Various other duties as assigned by the Education Director.
Qualifications
- Completion of at least 2 years of college education in the fields of education, environmental education, biology, natural resources, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Prior relevant work experience is not required but preferred.
- Willingness to work a varied schedule.
- Willingness to work with live animals.
- Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world.
- Comfortable leading adult programs on environmental topics.
- Comfortable speaking publicly, managing small and large groups, both in a classroom setting and outside.
- Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history.
How to apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Kim Hargrave, Education Director
[email protected]
About DPNC
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a nonprofit nature center in Mystic, CT that offers environmental education programs for all ages. Since 1946, DPNC has provided the community and visitors with opportunities to better understand and appreciate the natural world and our place in it. DPNC manages and stewards a 400-acre greenway with more than 10 miles of trails that features 17th century stonewalls, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. At the DPNC’s main facility, the woodland campus, guests can discover nature through natural history exhibits and meeting rehabilitated wildlife. The creation of the Coogan Farm in 2013 has added additional layers of education, history, and a Giving Garden that donates thousands of pounds of bio-nutrient rich produce to the food insecure of New London County each year.
We encourage you to visit our social media channels to get a better idea of who we are and what we do:
Neighbors & Nature Head Teacher (Full-Time)
Click here to download the job description as a PDF
Job Summary
DPNC is seeking a head teacher for our Neighbors and Nature Afterschool Program, a nature-based program designed for school-age children. This is a year-round, full-time position. School year hours may be supplemented with other environmental programs to reach the desired number of hours.
Primary Relationships
This position reports to the Outreach Programs Director and works closely with the Education department, other staff, and program participants of all ages and abilities.
Principle Responsibilities
- Supervise children for after-school program hours, ensuring an enriching and safe experience in nature.
- Plan activities for after-school hours.
- Lead hikes with children to various destinations on Nature Center trails.
- Maintain respectful and professional relationships with student families.
- Maintain staff/student ratios.
- Coordinate planning and communicate respectfully with co-teachers.
- Ensure a clean, enriching classroom environment.
- Uphold the values of DPNC through the nature-based afterschool program.
- Various other duties as assigned by the Outreach Program Director.
Qualifications
- Experience working with school-age children.
- Able to work cohesively with a variety of co-teachers.
- Be flexible with unexpected changes to the schedule.
- Comfortable with and have a positive attitude about spending time outdoors, in various habitats, in all weather conditions.
- Hold a CT OEC head teacher certification (or equivalent education/experience to secure head teacher certification).
- Willingness to work with live animals.
- Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world.
- Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history.
- A valid driver’s license.
How to apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Tessa Stuart
[email protected]
About DPNC
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a nonprofit nature center in Mystic, CT that offers environmental education programs for all ages. Since 1946, DPNC has provided the community and visitors with opportunities to better understand and appreciate the natural world and our place in it. DPNC manages and stewards a 400-acre greenway with more than 10 miles of trails that features 17th century stonewalls, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. At the DPNC’s main facility, the woodland campus, guests can discover nature through natural history exhibits and meeting rehabilitated wildlife. The creation of the Coogan Farm in 2013 has added additional layers of education, history, and a Giving Garden that donates thousands of pounds of bio-nutrient rich produce to the food insecure of New London County each year.
We encourage you to visit our social media channels to get a better idea of who we are and what we do: