Director of Operations

Flat Rock Brook Nature Association is a nonprofit organization whose dual mission is to provide environmental education programs to the public and maintain the 150 acres under our supervision. The preserve includes 3.6 miles of trails traversing diverse habitats including pond, stream, meadow and forest ecosystems. Through hands-on classes at our facility, in schools, and public programs, Flat Rock Brook educates more than 7,000 people annually, while attracting over 75,000 visitors each year.

The Position:

The Director of Operations (DO) is responsible for the oversight and operation of all mission-based Education and Land Resource Management department activities. The DO is expected to be knowledgeable in environmental education and land resource management activities, develop and maintain efficient operating systems, and manage a professional staff of educators and buildings and grounds staffers to deliver the Nature Association’s mission to the community within budget.

Functions and Duties:

Education and Programming –

• Supervise and train Naturalists, Summer Camp Director and Interns
• Act as Volunteer Coordinator and vet incoming candidates
• Provide oversight of education programming, including curricula, scheduling & evaluation
• Direct New Jersey licensed Summer Camp operations, staff and marketing
• Align programs with New Jersey Student Learning Standards and evaluate offerings
• Oversee our innovative Environmental Pathways high school partnership
• Collaborate with the Board’s Education Committee on strategic goals and implementation
• Manage education-related capital projects from design to launch

Land Resource Management –

• Supervise Land Resource staff and volunteers to maintain trails, natural resources and facilities
• Execute the 10-year Forest Stewardship Plan (2026-2036)
• Collaborate with Board committees related to flora, fauna, and land strategies
• Coordinate with the Building Committee on sustainable facility practices
• Partner with universities and government on ecological research projects
• Align with education staff to ensure cross-departmental success.

Operational Oversight -

• Design, plan and implement education and land management operational strategies
• Oversee day-to-day operations and work for mission-based staff and volunteers 
• Coordinate organizational systems, technology, vendors, tasks and calendars
• Evaluate operational success and interpret data and metrics for efficiency
• Build/coordinate wellness & social activities for staff in conjunction with Executive Director

Administrative -

• Prepare mission-based operational and management budgets and reports
• Assist Executive Director and Development Director in all aspects of grant writing and implementation for mission-based activities
• Work with Executive Director on Human Resource activities such as performance reviews, onboarding, offboarding, training etc.
• Qualifications:
• 5 years of experience managing program staff and volunteers in a Nature Center, park system or educational setting preferred
• Good computer skills, and familiarity with GPS/GIS a plus
• Ability to work with volunteers, government entities, peer organizations, and research institutions is a requirement
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain
• Background check/criminal history check required
• Strong preference for candidate who can work weekends and some evenings

Time Commitment:

Start will be 24 hours per week with Saturdays a strong preference and some evening hours required. Flex-time and work from home options potentially available, along with the potential for full-time hours in near future for the right candidate that excels in the position & budget parameters allow.

Expected Start Date: October 2026

Salary Range: $26-$32 per hour depending on relevant management experience

Benefits: FRB provides pro-rated paid time off for all employees. Retirement plan with organizational matching also available.

Send cover letter and resume to:   

Stephen Wiessner, Executive Director

Flat Rock Brook Nature Association

443 Van Nostrand Avenue

Englewood, NJ 07631

Phone: (201) 567-1265 x202

steve@flatrockbrook.org