JOIN OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

We’re seeking dedicated individuals to serve on our Board of Trustees or on one of the planning committees that help guide the Nature Center’s continued success. These leadership roles require a greater commitment than our general volunteer positions, but they offer a meaningful opportunity to shape the future and impact of CNC.

OUR COMMITTEES

Our planning committees are seeking members to assist with strategic, administrative, and hand-on efforts to further the Closter Nature Center’s mission. Committees include Fundraising, Education & Programming, Natural Resources, Buildings & Grounds, and Technology. Explore these opportunities below to find the best fit for you, then complete the interest form to let us know how you’d like to help out!

COMMITTEE INTEREST FORM

  • FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

    Help secure resources to sustain and grow CNC programs.

    Duties may include assisting with donor outreach, organizing events, identifying grant opportunities, and supporting membership campaigns. The current priority of the committee is drawing upon local resources (individuals, businesses, foundations) that could financially support CNC on an annual recurring basis. Ideal volunteers have skills in fundraising, marketing, or community engagement.

  • EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

    Help strengthen CNC’s educational impact.

    Volunteers may support program development, evaluate existing offerings, expand community outreach, or assist with special events. Ideal volunteers have teaching, curriculum design, or youth engagement experience.  Opportunity for those interested to develop and even lead new educational offerings and programs.

  • NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

    Guide and support stewardship of CNC’s trails, habitats, and wildlife.

    Responsibilities may include invasive species management planning, trail oversight, supporting seasonal volunteer workdays, habitat restoration, and conservation strategy. Ideal volunteers have experience in ecology, forestry, biology, or outdoor stewardship.


  • BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE

    Assist in maintaining and improving CNC’s facilities and grounds.

    Duties may include overseeing small repair projects, advising on long-term facility planning, improvement of interpretative materials/resources, and improvement project oversight. Ideal volunteers have experience in facilities management, carpentry, landscaping, or construction.

  • TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

    Support CNC’s digital presence and systems.

    Tasks may include improving, maintaining, and updating the website, enhancing online communications, maintaining databases, and advising on new tools. Ideal volunteers have IT, web design, or digital marketing experience.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Closter Nature Center seeks dedicated, knowledgeable individuals to serve on our Board of Trustees. Trustees play a key role in advancing CNC’s mission by attending regular board meetings, serving on committees, and actively contributing to organizational planning, oversight, and implementation.


Interested candidates are encouraged to connect with a current trustee to learn more. New trustees will be introduced to the board and organization, and provided with the necessary information and training to ensure a strong start and successful term of service.

REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS & TRUSTEES

  • Local Resident with easy access to Closter Nature Center (live within 20 minutes driving distance to the reserve)

  • Ability to serve for at least one year to provide continuity and impact

  • Able to dedicate 5-10 hours per month, including attending regular meetings (to be held on a monthly or bi-monthly basis)

  • Actively contribute to discussion and decision making within the committee, take on specific tasks or projects between meetings

  • Work respectfully with staff, trustees, and fellow volunteers

    • Represent Closter Nature Center in a positive and professional manner

  • Share an interest in Conservation - Education - Recreation

    • Support CNC’s ability to remain operational, sustainable, and impactful

IDEAL SKILLS & QUALITIES

  • Dependable & committed — able to dedicate consistent time each month

  • Collaborative — works well in teams and values diverse perspectives

  • Strong communicator — clear, respectful, and comfortable sharing ideas

  • Organized & reliable — follows through on tasks and meets deadlines

  • Strategic thinker — can see the big picture and contribute to planning

  • Community-minded — passionate about conservation, education, and giving back

  • Creative problem-solver — brings fresh ideas and flexible thinking

  • Relevant expertise — background in areas like administration, fundraising, education, technology, finance, or environmental stewardship (helpful but not required)