Opportunities From: Bergen Volunteers

The Closter Nature Center is seeking a skilled and passionate volunteer to lead the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for our 136-acre preserve. This is a high-impact role that will create a foundational resource for our conservation efforts, ecological data collection, and property management.

The selected volunteer will guide the organization in transitioning from initial concepts to a fully functional mapping system that tracks woodland health, identifies notable features, and protects our vital water resources.  Much of this work can be conducted remotely, but on-site visits for data collection and in-person meetings must be possible for the successful volunteer.

System Design & Setup: Lead the setup of a GIS platform and procedures for system maintenance (The Center currently holds an ArcGIS license but is open to alternative software recommendations).

Ecological Mapping: Develop layers to map forest species, identify invasive growth patterns, and track the progress of ongoing conservation initiatives.

Asset & Resource Management: Denote property boundaries, notable physical features, and critical water resources within the preserve.

Program Oversight: Manage the initial startup phase of the program and establish protocols for long-term data collection.

Training: Provide basic guidance and training to Nature Center volunteers and staff on how to utilize the mapping tools for field data entry and viewing.

Proven experience with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar mapping systems).

Understanding of data management and spatial analysis.

Interest in ecology, forestry, or environmental conservation.

Ability to work independently and lead a project from the implementation phase.

Strong communication skills to explain technical tools to non-technical volunteers.

Your work will directly contribute to the "woodland health" of the preserve. By visualizing our ecological data, you will help our team make informed decisions about species protection, resource management, and the overall health of our 136-acre forest for generations to come.

If you are interested in using your technical skills to protect local nature, please reach out to Tom Golodik (click here for email) with a brief summary of your GIS experience and why you’d like to support the Closter Nature Center.

Are you passionate about local ecology and hands-on conservation? The Closter Nature Center (CNC) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Natural Resources Committee, the team responsible for the preservation of CNC’s 136-acre forested wetland reserve.

This is a unique opportunity to transition from an enthusiast to a steward. As a committee member, you won't just be talking about conservation; you’ll be leading it.

How you’ll make a difference:

Strategize: Help guide our multi-year Reforestation Initiative and develop resilient ecosystem methodologies.

Lead: Organize volunteer workdays and oversee invasive species management.

Maintain: Ensure our 3-mile trail system remains a safe, beautiful resource for the community.

Collaborate: Work alongside staff, contractors, and fellow conservationists to execute high-impact projects.

Who we’re looking for: We are seeking local community members with a background or deep interest in environmental science and conservation. If you are ready to commit to regular strategy meetings and enjoy "boots-on-the-ground" field work, we would love to meet you.

Requirements

Details

Location

Resident within 20 minutes of Closter Nature Center.

Availability

4–10 hours/month; includes regular committee meetings.

Term

At least one year of service for impact and continuity

Core Skills

Dependability, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Specialties

Bonus: Environmental science, landscaping, or project management.

Help us protect the green space we all love. Join the Natural Resources Committee today.

Fill out the following form to register your interest!

Senior Trail Crew Volunteers Wanted (Ages 18+)
Closter Nature Center is looking for a few experienced, responsible volunteers (ages 18+) to join our Senior Trail Crew, a small, hands-on team that maintains trails, clears streams, responds to storm damage such as fallen trees, and works on our reforestation efforts.

This is not an entry-level opportunity. The term “senior” refers to individuals with the confidence, experience, and physical ability to take on labor-intensive outdoor work. Volunteers should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, using sound judgment and care.

Weekday availability is required. While there’s no fixed schedule, the crew meets for projects, usually once a week, during weekday hours and weather permitting. This is a great fit for retirees or anyone with a flexible weekday schedule.

Volunteers must be physically fit and able to commit to 2–3 hours of outdoor labor per session. Skills in trail work, landscaping, construction, or operating tools and small equipment are highly valued.

If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in doing meaningful work, and have the experience to back it up—we’d love to hear from you!

Interested in Joining? Fill out an application at: NOW RECRUITING: Senior Trail Crew