The Joe Ford Nature Center is seeking a part-time executive director to oversee operations, animal care, youth programs, and community outreach while carrying forward Joe and Grace Ford’s legacy of natural and cultural education.
Board Chair Mike Robinson said interest in the role has been strong and the board is already reviewing candidates.
“We have 11 applicants, and the board is meeting (Wednesday night) to review them,” Robinson said. “If we do not find the right fit, we will continue our search.”
The executive director will serve as the nonprofit’s public face and work closely with its board and Owensboro Parks & Recreation. Responsibilities include supervising daily operations, coordinating volunteers, developing and promoting programs, managing social media, applying for grants, maintaining exhibits, communicating with the board, and filing monthly reports. The role is 15 hours per week.
Robinson said the center’s mission is rooted in the work of namesake Joe Ford, a well-known local naturalist who taught generations of students about the region’s wildlife, native habitats, and Indigenous history.
“Joe took snakes and other displays into schools and talked with kids about all kinds of things — native habitat, animals, and the American Indians that lived here,” Robinson said. “He was well known throughout the area, and the center continues that educational focus, especially for school-age children.”
The site near the U.S. 60 bypass includes a small museum space and flat, accessible trails that are maintained by Owensboro Parks & Recreation.
“It’s a little hidden jewel,” Robinson said. “The trails are all flat, there are short loops and longer walks, and you will almost always see a few cars in the lot with people out walking or biking.”
Inside, visitors can view several live animals.
“We have a king snake, three corn snakes, and two box turtles,” Robinson said. “Directors in the past have taken the snakes to events so children could see that they are not going to bite and learn more about them.”
Fundraising and community programming remain priorities. Robinson said a Bigfoot-themed program is planned for late October.
“There’s a lot of interest in it,” Robinson said. “We hope events like that bring people out and provide a little income for the center.”
Robinson said the position could suit an early-career educator, a nature enthusiast, or a retiree who relates well to children.
“We always think a retired teacher would be a good fit for the job,” Robinson said.
Applicants can email a resume to [email protected].
