JOB ALERT: Natural Resources Manager

Friends of Princeton Open Space seeks a part-time (30-hour work week) Natural Resources Manager to oversee land stewardship in the Mountain Lakes Open Space Area.  This position reports to the Friends of Princeton Open Space Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. Responsibilities include designing and implementing habitat restoration and enhancement projects, controlling invasive plant species, leading volunteer workdays, conducting plant inventories, and creating community outreach and education programs.

Candidate must possess a passion for conservation, desire to work outdoors, and ability to conduct physically strenuous fieldwork. A Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. Qualifications include: knowledge of local flora and fauna, management of invasive plant species, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently. Experience with GPS/GIS preferred. NJ Pesticide Applicator License is a plus.

Work Responsibilities:

Land Stewardship (70%)

• Design and implement habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
• Control invasive plant species and inventory populations of plants.
• Design training materials.  Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and record hours.
• Lead frequent volunteer workdays.
• Oversee and work with contractors and consultants.
• Collect seed and propagate/care for plants to be used for habitat restoration efforts.
• Train and oversee summer interns.

Education and Outreach (15%)

• Develop educational programs for the general public, community groups, school, scout groups, and donors to educate about local ecology, local natural history, as well as continued conservation and management efforts of FOPOS.
• Develop and present interpretive displays and brochures.  
• Ensure a coordinated approach to community outreach and education.
• Track and report results of education and outreach efforts in a way that will contribute to continuous improvement of programming.

Communication and Coordination (10%)

• In collaboration with FOPOS Marketing Communications Consultant, develop and maintain communication tools. Collect images during trail work to provide Marketing Consultant with timely, relevant content. Some website work is necessary; knowledge of SquareSpace and Mailchimp a plus.
• Provide FOPOS Marketing Consultant with images and description of volunteer days, notable success stories, completed projects, ongoing efforts, and support the spread of the FOPOS mission.
• Maintain regular communication with varied partners and provide regular opportunities for networking and engagement with a goal of ensuring a connected and informed network.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationship with agencies, organizations and business representatives.

Grant Obligations (5%)

• Identify funding sources and communicate those with board.
• Coordinate and contribute to proposal development.
• Coordinate and ensure timely proposal submission.
• Manage funded projects, including project planning, and implementation.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references in one document to:

Clark Lennon, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee: clarklennon@verizon.net  and cc: Wendy Mager, President of the Board of Trustees: wendyonphipps@gmail.com

3rd Annual Photo Contest Results

After 3 weeks of photography and submissions, the results are in! We had 41 photos submitted and much deliberation was required.  Thank you to everyone who participated.  Below are the three winning photos. 

Third Place, Lake Foliage by Niels Kistrup

Second Place, Spring Overflow by Jennifer Driscoll

First Place, Bridge Vista by Monika Reimitz

Holiday Open Houses at Mountain Lakes House

Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17
1PM to 4PM
Mountain Lakes House
57 Mountain Avenue
Princeton

As you enjoy the miles of wooded trails in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Friends of Princeton Open Space invites you to stop by Mountain Lakes House to warm up with cider and treats! Stop in anytime between 1PM and 4PM on Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17
 

Welcome Winter Walk in Princeton, Saturday January 6

Welcome Winter Walk in Princeton                                                                                                   Saturday, January 6th

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Adults and Families with children ages 5 and up. Fee per person: $5.00

Join this annual tradition with Education Director Jeff Hoagland of the Watershed Center, on a morning walk at the Mountain Lakes Preserve in Princeton to explore the wonders of the natural world in winter. Discover the unique survival strategies of local plants and animals, learn where animals store food and how they survive the season’s relentless chill. Dress warmly, boots are recommended.  Presented in partnership with The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.