Careers and Opportunities

Position Title: Nature Store Manager
Department: Cape May Bird Observatory
Location: 701 E. Lake Drive, P.O Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Reports To: Center Director – Cape May Bird Observatory
Job Classification: Full-time, Salaried (40-hour week)

Job Description:

The Sales Manager serves as the lead staff member responsible for sales at Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center, including online sales through FeatherEdgeOptics.org and during occasional remote events. This position oversees the full scope of CMBO’s sales while fostering a collaborative atmosphere among staff, volunteers, interns, and visitors and a unified retail presence across New Jersey Audubon centers. Through optics, natural history books, art, clothing, and gifts, the Nature Store Manager actively advances New Jersey Audubon’s mission—to inspire and empower people to care for nature throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Major Responsibilities:

Retail Sales and Visitor Services

• Support the financial sustainability of the center by tracking sales revenue, managing product inventory and costs, budget planning and identifying opportunities to grow earned income through sales.
• Supervise, hire and train store staff and retail volunteers.
• Welcome and inspire visitors by handling sales and communicating about the natural world, local natural areas, and NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory.
• Maintain and share up-to-date knowledge of optics and nature related products with staff and customers.
• Interact with and support store staff at three other NJ Audubon centers as needed regarding inventory and POS management, product placement, transfers between centers and retail processes.
• Review and place product orders and follow protocols to minimize fraud attempts.
• Develop store advertising and media content for store related sales and activities.
• Cooperate in the development of flyers, brochures and other center-specific marketing materials, including promotion of programs via social media and news outlets.
• Support the design of seasonal educational exhibits and displays, collaborating with CMBO education, research and special event staff.
• Assist in the maintenance of Northwood Center spaces and grounds.

Other

• Prepare written reports, order proposals and other plans as needed.
• Foster strategic relationships with major retail partners, especially optics companies, to expand support of CMBO’s migration monitoring and special events.
• Attend center (CMBO) and sales staff meetings and NJ Audubon Town Halls.
• Strive to increase NJA sales, program participation, and membership.
• Participate with center staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations.
• Assume additional responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications, Knowledge/Skills and Additional Requirements:

• B.A. or B.S. in the sciences preferred; experience may be substituted.
• At least two years’ experience in retail, ideally from cashiering to ordering.
• Previous experience in a Management or Supervisory role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in natural history of New Jersey and coastal environments; bird migration/coastal ecology/marine/native plant science a plus.
• Excellent Computer Skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, and social media skills.
  Excellent written and oral communication.
• Excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive criticism.
• Motivated self-starter, able to work independently in the execution of his or her responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations.
• Professionalism and strong work ethic with ability to exercise discretion and maintain composure.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed.
• Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Must be a New Jersey resident or willing to relocate to New Jersey upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey.

Compensation: $46,000 – $55,000 yearly salary commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: Position will be posted until filled.

Qualified individuals may apply by emailing cover letter of interest and resume to: [email protected] Please indicate which job you are applying for in the subject line.

NJA proudly offers full-time direct hired employees a comprehensive benefits package, optional retirement plan with company match, and paid time off including vacation, holidays and sick leave.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of all relevant background checks, verifications, and required paperwork. Employment will be considered ‘at will.’

Job Title: Nature Center Director
Location: Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville, NJ
Reports to: Lead Center Director
Job Classification: Full-time regular (40 hours/week), salaried, exempt

Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary Encompasses 300 acres, six miles of trails, a 14-acre deer enclosure, and diverse habitat types along the headwaters of the Passaic River in Somerset County, NJ. On-site facilities include the primary nature center, an administrative building that holds staff offices, an occupied caretaker’s cottage, and two storage barns. The nature center houses classrooms, a library, discover center, and nature store along with numerous staff offices, which are closed to the public.

Job Description: The Nature Center Director ensures that the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary operates efficiently, effectively, and professionally, promoting the image and values of new Jersey Audubon (NJA) within the surrounding community. This role is expected to maintain and grow center-based programming (including summer camps) that reflects NJA’s mission, strategies, and values, while providing leadership and oversight of buildings, grounds, and a gift shop. The Director takes an active role in membership growth, donor relations, and community outreach.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Advance New Jersey Audubon’s vision and mission by supporting the organization’s six key strategies and values.
• Oversee all operations of the center and its associated programs and events, while fostering positive working relationships across the organization.
• Hire, train, and supervise year-round Coordinate and supervise volunteers. Oversee camp director’s coordination of seasonal staff and volunteers to provide high quality experience for all participants.
• Serve as the primary representative of the center in engagements with donors, stakeholders, corporate partners, and the local community, expanding NJA’s presence to increase awareness, support, and participation.
• Work with finance department to develop an annual budget, monitor income and expenses, and maintain financial sustainability.
• Work with the development department on fundraising and membership efforts, including some grant writing and implementation of grant-funded projects.
• Work with the communications department to coordinate marketing and promotions of all programs including media, social media, and community-outlets for Center programs.
• Work with the education team to oversee, coordinate and/or provide environmental education to diverse audiences (including summer camps, schools, and other interest groups, adult field trips and workshops).
• Maintain a welcoming space to effectively engage visitors.
• Oversee a nature-focused retail operation that highlights visitor engagement and This includes managing staff, merchandise orders/inventory and ensuring monthly reconciliations.
• Collaborate with other center directors and finance team on retail operations efficiency, maintaining costs and appropriate inventory.
• Oversee facilities maintenance, inspections, and improvements, including buildings and onsite equipment such as heating/cooling systems.
• Ensure the safety, maintenance, and security of sanctuary
• Oversee grounds maintenance for the Sanctuary and work with the NJ Audubon Stewardship team to develop, implement and evaluate property stewardship plan.
• Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as requested.
• Attend meetings and serve on organizational committees as requested by
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum three years of experience in managing a nature center, supervising staff, and coordinating volunteers, or relevant practical experience in a similar position.
• Interpretive and public speaking experience is a plus, along with knowledge of natural sciences, especially in NJ flora, fauna, and habitats.
• Excellent Computer Skills Microsoft Office, program registration software and social media marketing experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Ability to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to meet deadlines and needs of the Organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed.
• Must be able to climb stairs, navigate outdoor trails, perform land stewardship activities, and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Facilities management and/or retail management experience preferred.
• Ability to operate basic mechanical equipment as needed.
• Must be a New Jersey resident or willing to relocate to New Jersey upon hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle in NJ.

Compensation: $63,000 – $78,000 yearly salary commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: Position will be posted until filled.

Qualified individuals may apply by emailing cover letter of interest and resume to: [email protected] Please indicate which job you are applying for in the subject line.

NJA proudly offers full-time direct hired employees a comprehensive benefits package, optional retirement plan with company match, and paid time off including vacation, holidays and sick leave.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of all relevant background checks, verifications, and required paperwork. Employment will be considered ‘at will.’