Job Summary: The Interpretive Programs Manager oversees both passive (signs/interactive features) and active (person-to-person) interpretation at Shangri La Botanical Garden and Nature Center. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Associate Director, the Director of Horticulture, and the Coordinator of Volunteer Programs. This is a full-time (40 hours per week including one weekend workday per month), exempt position that reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interpretation Program Management

• Lead Exhibit Hall project and interpretive program for the new Heritage Trail and Heron Island
• Lead multi-year, comprehensive, interpretive efforts including active and passive programming
• Recommend, prioritize, budget for, and evaluate interpretive strategies for Garden exhibits (both long-term and temporary) that are engaging and inclusive
• Lead the production of Garden-wide interpretation for exhibits, signs, and person-to-person experiences on site
• Develop Wayfinding plan, oversee fabrication of signs, and maintain databases of signs
• Design and develop interpretive educational display for the Nature Discovery Center and pathway, Heron Blind, and other areas
• Manage interpretation program projects, including long-term signs, temporary signs, and exhibits
• Create project budgets and manage implementation through design, fabrication and installation. Help select and coordinate outside contractors
• Maintain existing interpretive infrastructure
• Manage temporary interpretive sign production and maintenance
• Produce ephemeral sign for the Garden?s Living Collection
• Collaborate with other Garden staff, SCV staff and outside experts to develop content and ensure accurate information
• Manage volunteers to help research, inventory, maintain, and produce interpretive content
• Work with the Volunteer Program Coordinator to support the Garden Docent Program
• Update and deliver docent training materials
• Assist with coordination of regular Docent meetings, trainings including facilitating activities, scheduling speakers, and attending meetings
• Help develop innovative ways for Docents to engage with the public on site
• Evaluate effectiveness of interpretive features and content to improve programs
• Develop, administer, and analyze survey efforts
• Develop innovative approaches to evaluate success of interpretive features/programs
• Oversee the programs and scheduling of the Outpost tour

Department and General Responsibilities

• Attend regular department check in?s, regular program meetings, monthly All Staff meetings, and quarterly planning meetings
• Assist with design, implementation, and analysis of visitor experience surveys
• Assist with community outreach programs
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with other museum professionals and community stakeholders
• Help manage program budget
• Regularly report on accomplishments for annual reports and other official documents
• Produce articles and content for Garden newsletters, social media, and other communications tools

• Assist with various special projects/events

Supervisory Responsibilities: Wildlife Curator, Volunteers, Intern (in the future)

Qualifications and Experience:

• Three years' experience conducting informal education, museum interpretation, or nature interpretation
• Bachelor?s degree in environmental education, museum studies, related science discipline or relevant related field

Other Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Word, Excel, and Access
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite or other graphic/media software preferred
• Able to occasionally travel and work evenings
• Able to work independently and as part of a team to further the goals of the organization
• Able to multi-task, work under pressure, and manage time to meet deadlines and priorities
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround and flexibility

Physical Requirements:

• Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:
• Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer and phone for lengthy periods
• Standing/walking for extended periods of time
• Lifting and carrying 30 lbs., bending, squatting, and walking stairs and the SBBG trails
• Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work with visitors, contractors, students and others from the general public. Approximately 60% of time outside in a swamp ecosystem in both hot and cold weather. These areas are commonly wet, humid, extremely hot or cold. Noise levels are generally quiet. Environment includes blooming plants, plant saps, fertilizers and other possible allergens. Tasks may require exposure to insects, snakes and other wildlife according to prevailing habitat conditions.