https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2 Often, the nature center field is up against many obstacles when it comes to recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff. Let’s discuss best practices on recruiting fundamentals, promoting diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and developing an engaging onboarding plan. Let’s build a toolbox together to hire and retain the best staff for your nature center & make them feel welcome. This discussion will be facilitated by: Leigh Ann Miller, Executive Director at Grange Insurance Audubon Center Sara Beesley, Center Director at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center en-us 2023-01-04 18:59:58 UTC 2023-02-15 13:46:10 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1504234218/223b81269195ea00e517a4c88b007939/ANCA_leaf_circle_social_tan_w_green_outline.png ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457658110 2023-01-26 14:18:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457658110 ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457661626 2023-01-26 14:20:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457661626 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457854259 One of our favorites: we collect "notes of sunshine" that people write whenever they want to share their appreciation for a colleague and read them outload at our monthly staff meetings. ]]> 2023-01-26 16:22:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457854259 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457855718 We tend to hire recent graduates or early career educators, and certainly struggle to offer a competitive salary for more experienced educators to relocate here. Turnover is a challenge for consistent and high quality programming (and team dynamics)]]> 2023-01-26 16:23:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2457855718 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458044720 It is really challenging to offer competitive salaries. Because we are university affiliated, we are stuck with the state positions available, so our educators are considered instructors in the university setting. This requires that they have a bachelor's degree. I believe we are already pricing out some populations for residential programming; raising the prices to offer better salaries isn't really an option. We are also having issues with HR dysfunction that makes a search take a LONG time, so I believe we lose candidates who aren't going to wait for 3+ months after applying to a job before they get an offer.  But that maybe an issue that is unique to us right now.]]> 2023-01-26 18:36:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458044720 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458047637 We have a senior instructor position that allows returning staff to take on greater responsibilities in coordinating school groups and mentoring new instructors. Since this was initiated, we have definitely had more instructors returning for 2-3 seasons.]]> 2023-01-26 18:38:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458047637 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458050719 That "we've always done it this way" attitude. Or "this is a requirement." Is it really? Or is it just that's the way it's always been done.]]> 2023-01-26 18:40:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458050719 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458075793 In my organization, the money we have is not spent in ways that benefit the organization as a whole (staff pay, on site housing improvements, etc) but is abundant on frivolous things. Obviously funds are limited but I see ways we could be doing so much more with what we have, so having conversations centered around priorities and different values between directors and owners

]]> 2023-01-26 18:58:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458075793 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458076727 Hiring enough staff that actually can learn to care about and execute their job responsibilities]]> 2023-01-26 18:58:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458076727 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458078765 Transparent interviewing tactics, forthcoming with information about hours and pay, truly building trust and NOT trying to convince anyone to work here.]]> 2023-01-26 18:59:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458078765 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458080309 individual and group mentorship structures, staff perks and special events, creating a workplace that is safe, fun, and supportive via earnest respect for all individuals

]]> 2023-01-26 19:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458080309 whitney102 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458080435 We are going through a phase of growth, our preserve has increased in physical size and needs more staff - and therefore more annual operating. There is a constant element of fear that we can't accomplish the goals we're setting (especially development related) and finding support for moving actions forward that would show that we CAN (and are). ]]> 2023-01-26 19:01:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458080435 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458081182 Consistent monthly (sometimes more in one month) 1:1 meetings offering support, goal setting, and coaching opportunities. Frequently celebrating successes and work that is done above standard (and even small successes completing daily tasks) which boosts team morale and sense of value. We also work at a Nature Center which means we have access to beautiful, protected outdoor space to walk through. We also offer flexible work schedules, within reason, as well as opportunities to take on new projects and tasks that support the Nature Center and our mission.]]> 2023-01-26 19:01:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458081182 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458085371 2023-01-26 19:05:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458085371 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458086668 2023-01-26 19:06:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458086668 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458086826 We have established staff who have been with us for years which we don't have any concerns about. Those who have moved on, the timing makes sense as they are retiring or moving on to another career path. With new hires, though, we've recently had a rather high turnaround in various departments (during our transition period of professionalizing and growth) that we would like to learn about more methods and tools for staff retention. Especially since, as a nonprofit, the pay isn't high due to tight budgets and getting raises can be quite difficult as a result as well.]]> 2023-01-26 19:06:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458086826 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458088494 2023-01-26 19:07:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458088494 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458098591 There are some staff who have a resistance to change because "this is how we've always done it, and it has worked" which can stifle growth. That and resistance to do tasks that fall out of a normal day of their position's tasks, not "fun" tasks that do fall in their department, or uncertainty of taking on a task or project due to not feeling well-equipped to complete despite there being training offered for them to learn.]]> 2023-01-26 19:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458098591 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458118921 2023-01-26 19:31:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458118921 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458119925 2023-01-26 19:31:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458119925 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458120505 The local small population has not shown the skills and talents we need as an organization for our full-time staff. Bringing the talent that we want in from out of town and finding housing/transportation for them has been incredibly challenging.]]> 2023-01-26 19:32:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458120505 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458121067 Just like in today's meeting, there is a predominant number of white applicants. Even based on our location in Houston, supposedly the most diverse city in the nation, we encounter this problem.
We want to reflect our community better.]]> 2023-01-26 19:32:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458121067 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458122269 2023-01-26 19:33:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458122269 libbyvanwyhe https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458124218 As our budgets have been reduced more and more, we've been forced to downgrade from permanent staff, to seasonal staff... and now that we can no longer afford seasonal/temps, we are now looking for AmeriCorps service members.  AmeriCorps doesn't pay a living wage, so there aren't enough applicants for that kind of an "internship" position.]]> 2023-01-26 19:35:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458124218 libbyvanwyhe https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458149352 We use evaluation and improvement to retain staff. During the slow season, we still have some work for part-time staff. Hours would be cut back in the winter, but we would keep people working by asking them to review and summarize assessments, make recommendations to improve the programs, and actually re-write the lessons for the coming season. ]]> 2023-01-26 19:56:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458149352 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458162384 2023-01-26 20:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458162384 whitney102 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172303 More opportunity to self-define your working style, communicate that to others, and evaluate how you are working with others on your team. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:17:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172303 shermanse23 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172515 Allowing space for people to have pets improves work performance and quality of life. Also incentivizes staying because they may not have those perks elsewhere.]]> 2023-01-26 20:17:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172515 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172747 2023-01-26 20:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172747 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172840 Collectively establishing core values that we can strive to reflect in our everyday operations. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:17:51 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172840 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172904 include goal setting and multiple check-ins throughout the year. Base them on job descriptions. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:17:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458172904 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173133 I am going to work to find a relevant and authentic way to remain connected with seasonal educators from term to term, in hopes of supporting retention. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:18:07 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173133 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173266 Thanks Whitney, that is something I can't wait to implement in our common spaces for all staff and volunteers to use.

]]> 2023-01-26 20:18:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173266 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173545 I will implement:
The AARP paid volunteer link!  
I learned: The notion that volunteers get paid in 'community / relationships.' 
I met: Some really smart folk who are invested in serving mission and have smart ways to do it!]]> 2023-01-26 20:18:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173545 libbyvanwyhe https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173727 Let staff post/share their accomplishments, and organize those into each of the organization's values. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:18:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173727 shermanse23 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173889 We get so busy in the day-to-day building constructive environment for feedback is super important to improving as well as appreciating and growing employees]]> 2023-01-26 20:18:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458173889 whitney102 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458174144 With so many programs and projects going on, the full staff is rarely together. We try to check-in as best we can with bi-weekly or monthly staff meetings, but keeping everyone informed about everything is very challenging! ]]> 2023-01-26 20:19:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458174144 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458174482 Building paths for growth, they may not all be filled since we don't have the funding for all of them but building htem so folks can see that there are opportunities. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:19:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458174482 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458175068 Bolster sense of community and work culture where successes and met goals are celebrated (big and small). Also would like to try implementing more robust seasonal paid positions for our camp seasons (especially summer) where we can hire high schoolers looking for career path experience that are paired with established camp staff, thereby allowing us to have other camp staff available to lead other camps or support other programs. In the past, we hired solely those with education experience who could solely lead a camp which definitely limited us in who we could hire. ]]> 2023-01-26 20:19:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458175068 ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458201111 2023-01-26 20:47:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458201111 ANCAmembership https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458208377 2023-01-26 20:55:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2458208377 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2483470191 2023-02-15 13:42:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2483470191 https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2483474829 2023-02-15 13:46:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/zat5wr8surbow3v2/wish/2483474829