Coverdale Farm Preserve Site Director

Phone Number: 302-413-5069

Email: tina.rydgren@delawarenaturesociety.org

The 377-acre Coverdale Farm Preserve, located in Greenville, Delaware, is comprised of both natural and working lands. Two hundred acres of rolling countryside is managed as a nature preserve, while 177-acres is an active farm featuring both vegetable production and livestock. Farm operations use regenerative agriculture methods which restore and replenish the natural resources we rely upon. Building soil above and below ground, maintaining year-round living root systems, maximizing on-farm biodiversity, integrating plant and animal systems, and eliminating synthetic chemicals are key to our practice. In this way, lands across the entire site are carefully managed for biodiversity and clean water.

Coverdale Farm Preserve (CFP) is the largest of four sites managed and utilized for nature-based education by the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), a non-profit organization connecting people with nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy. As part of the DelNature staff, the CFP Site Director will join a team of passionate educators, land managers, and conservation professionals working across the state of Delaware and into southeastern PA. The CFP Site Director will oversee operation of the site leading an on-site team of four full time year-round employees (with additional part-time/seasonal personnel) and coordinating with land and facilities management staff who work across multiple sites. The Site Director will also work closely with the members of the senior leadership team to identify, execute, promote and support strategic initiatives at CFP that advance the financial sustainability of the site and mission of the organization.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Coverdale Farm Preserve Site Director
Site: Coverdale Farm Preserve, Greenville, DE 19807
Schedule: Varied Schedule including days, nights, and weekends, based on production schedule, and offerings at site.
Date: March 16, 2026

Mission
Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity in nature and people. Our mission is to connect people and nature to create a healthy environment for all, through education, conservation, and advocacy. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education and conservation programs at four sites: Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. At these and other sites, we also manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world.

Position Summary
The Site Director is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operations, and management of the Coverdale Farm Preserve. This 377-acre site, located in Greenville, Delaware, is comprised of both natural and working lands: two hundred acres of rolling countryside is managed as a nature preserve, while 177-acres is an active farm featuring vegetable production, livestock, and nature-based education. Farm operations use regenerative agriculture methods which restore and replenish natural resources. Lands across the entire site are carefully managed for biodiversity and clean water.
The Site Director works to develop and grow relationships and initiatives to elevate DelNature’s presence and impact through the practice and promotion of regenerative practices. They lead a team of on-site staff comprised of year-round and part-time/seasonal employees and work collaboratively with staff from other departments to ensure the alignment of site-based activities with the mission and strategic goals of the Delaware Nature Society. The Site Director fosters cross-department collaboration, financial sustainability, and strong community partnerships while maintaining excellence in daily operations.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is part of a leadership team of site and department directors.

Responsibilities

Site Management & Operations

• Oversees all site-based operations, programs, and staff to ensure cohesion, collaboration and that the organization’s mission and strategic objectives are being supported and implemented.
• Serves as the primary on-site leader, addressing operational needs, problem-solving in real time, and ensuring compliance with organizational, and state laws, policies, procedures, and health and safety protocols.
• Collaborates with land management and facilities staff to develop plans and execute strategies for managing natural areas, buildings, and other improvements.
• Supports farm operations with hands-on work at critical times, including farm chores when needed.
• Strategic Leadership & Direction
• Develops and implements business plans and strategic initiatives to optimize use of the site for programming, production, and conservation.
• Evaluates data, outcomes, and performance metrics to guide informed decision-making, track, and report on results, and make improvements.
• Works with department directors to develop and manage the CFP site budget, focusing on financial sustainability and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborates with advancement staff to identify, cultivate, apply for, and manage grants and other sources of support for the site.
• Actively participates as a member of the DelNature Site and Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with other departments and sites to share ideas and resources and advance shared priorities.
• Outreach & Community Engagement
• Works with site staff and the marketing team to develop and implement marketing strategies and plans.
• Identifies and establishes relationships with external partners and community collaborators to advance site and organizational priorities, including through engagement of the Coverdale Community Advisory Committee.
• Supports donor and member engagement efforts in collaboration with the site and advancement team.
• Promotes DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to diverse audiences, including by serving as a welcoming and knowledgeable presence for the site.
• Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor or leadership staff.

Qualification and Experience

• Strong commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society, regenerative agriculture, and modeling healthy environmental practices.
• College degree in a related field plus at least 5 years’ experience leading a professional team in a nonprofit setting demonstrating operations, management, finance, and leadership skills (or equivalent skills and experience.)
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience leading a professional team in a nonprofit setting demonstrating operations, management, finance, and leadership skills.
• Experience in agriculture, food systems, or farm-based nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Experience in creating and managing budgets and contracts and tracking fulfilment of grant/donor deliverables.
• Proven ability to think strategically, take initiative, and proactively solve problems while managing competing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to use technology and business acumen to manage site logistics, resources, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in an active, evolving environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including positive and engaging interpersonal skills.
• Excellent public relations skills with comfort and enthusiasm engaging individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate farm equipment, including tractors, mowers, off-road utility vehicles, pick-up trucks (including towing livestock trailers), and small machinery.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site including day, evening, and weekend responsibilities and actively participate in farm operations as needed.
• Ability to live on-site, perform off-hour duties, and respond to site emergencies.
• Must have a team-focused attitude, flexible mindset, and willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others
• Must pass a background check

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in farm-based activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains. Ability to participate in physical labor for extended periods of time, outside and in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects up to fifty pounds and be able to carry, move and set up necessary supplies and equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary and Compensation
Starting annual salary of $60,000-$68,000 with housing provided. Employee is responsible for utility costs. This is an Exempt full-time position with health, dental, paid time off, employer/employee matched retirement benefits.

To Apply
Please fill out the application on our website: https://delawarenaturesociety.org/about/job-opportunities/.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY—Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change.