We are Hiring – two Seasonal Camp Counselors!
**Update** This position is now open to candidates 16 and older who are interested in part-time employment. The seasonal Camp Counselor is an energetic and enthusiastic individual responsible for leading campers (ages 4–14) through engaging, nature-based activities during Ney Nature Center’s summer camp programs. The ideal candidate will be passionate about environmental education, enjoy working with children, and have experience supervising youth in outdoor settings. Click here for the full job description.
We are Hiring – one Climate Impact Project Coordinator
Ampact is seeking a Climate Impact Project Coordinator in Henderson, MN, to advance local environmental solutions through the Climate Impact Corps. The role involves planning and leading projects to address climate change, facilitating outreach, and supporting sustainability initiatives. Candidates must be 18+, dependable, and proficient in Microsoft Office. The position offers a stipend, education awards, and federal benefits while contributing to community resilience against climate change.
We’re excited to host an AmeriCorps member once again! The position will open soon, so stay tuned with us or the Ampact Careers website.
We are Hiring – Historical Interpreter
The Historical Interpreter is a critical staff role with significant responsibility for the Mayo House and Ney Nature Center historical interpretations. Programming is developed in this assignment to provide the “in place” historical perspective at the Mayo House and Ney Homestead. Beyond programming, there is responsibility for designing and developing educational displays for independent viewing and programs, researching and fact-checking, and networking with other local community organizations. This assignment includes working with staff, interns, and volunteers in multiple facets of programming and site maintenance for the Mayo House. Additionally, working as part of the Ney Nature Center program team, there is the responsibility to support site hosting as well as the design, preparation, and delivery of programming related to the Ney Homestead. Click here for the full job description.
Welcome to our staff page!
Learn a little more about us below, and don’t be afraid to say hi and stop to chat when you come to the park! Open positions will also be posted on this page.
Executive Director: Becky Pollack
It is my pleasure to work at the Ney Nature Center. My connection to this park goes back to 1995 when the deformed frogs were found here by my fellow classmates from the Minnesota New Country School.
Before graduating from Mankato State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and minors in Earth Science and Geology, I was excited to take the position of Director here at the Ney Nature Center. My background with project based learning and love of the natural world as well as experience in nonprofit management made for an easy transition to Executive Director.
My husband, Nick and I, faithfully care for our two kids, Greg and Sami and our many pets: Sunny, a miniature horse, Flora & Fauna, two miniature goats, Eleanor our Chocolate Lab, and two bunnies, Lion & Snicker Doodle.
The Ney Nature Center is a remarkable place, full of history, geology, and other natural world wonders. I enjoy greeting and sharing the phenology of the park with anyone that stops by.
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Northern Leopard Frog
- Favorite Season: Spring
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Photography
- Favorite Part of NNC: History of the Park’s Land
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sioux Quartzite
- Favorite Flower: Rattlesnake Master
Programs and Marketing Coordinator: Eva Clelland
Hi there! My name is Eva, and I have been the Programs and Marketing Coordinator here at Ney since 2021. I grew up in Saint Paul and found my love for the outdoors through summer camp. Drake University was my choice for college, where I graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Science. Since then, I am lucky enough to have worked in environmental education in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nevada, but Minnesota will always be home!
On my days off, you can find me walking the lakes in Minneapolis, where I live, or continuing to attempt to leash train my cats, Otis & Ruby, so they can enjoy the outdoors with me. I look forward to helping coordinate your program at Ney! Let me know how I can help!
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Barn Owl
- Favorite Season: Fall
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping
- Favorite Part of NNC: The people!
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Mica Schist
- Favorite Flower: Purple Coneflower
Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist: Liz Sheppard
Hello! My name is Liz Sheppard and I am a Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Management, and got my teaching license from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I grew up in Wisconsin, in the suburbs of Milwaukee. My grandfather instilled a love of nature in me from a young age and I enjoy sharing that gift with others. Working at Ney has given me the wonderful chance to interpret history as well as nature.
When I’m not at work, I am often knitting, spinning, or enjoying other textile crafts. I enjoy hiking with my family, reading books, biking, and swimming whenever I get the chance. I love to play in the snow with my husband and two children, and we enjoy going camping in the Spring and the Fall.
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Turkey Vulture
- Favorite Season: Autumn
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping
- Favorite Part of NNC: The bluffs
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Malachite
- Favorite Flower: Queen Anne’s Lace
Administrative Assistant: Sara Corbin
Hello! My name is Sara Corbin, and I have had the privilege of working at Ney through my role as a Community Forestry Member with AmeriCorps starting in 2023 before being hired into the Administrative Assistant role in 2024. In 2019, I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in English Education. Ever since my childhood, I have loved learning about the world around me. I am excited to use my experience and passion for education to encourage our community to learn about trees and sustainable practices.
My hobbies outside of work inspired me to pursue a role with AmeriCorps. As yearly childhood camping trips with my family developed into monthly camping and hiking adventures with my husband, my love for the outdoors grew. During our trips, I enjoy finding new birds, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and reading a good book. I am looking forward to sharing my excitement for adventure with everyone who visits Ney!
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Green Heron
- Favorite Season: Fall
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
- Favorite Part of NNC: The groomed XC Ski Trails
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sandstone
- Favorite Flower: Milkweed
AmeriCorps Climate Impact Project Coordinator: Madi Kes
Hi! My name is Madi Kes and I recently got the opportunity to work with Ney through my AmeriCorps membership as a Climate Impact Project Coordinator. I grew up in a small town outside of Minneapolis and spent most of my childhood exploring the outdoors which is how I fell in love with nature. I went to school at Gustavus Adolphus College where I graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. I’m excited to further my knowledge about forestry and the environment through this experience! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, walking around with my dog, traveling, or any other type of adventurous outdoor activity! I love any chance to discover more about wildlife and I can’t wait to share and develop this passion in my time at Ney!
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Red Squirrel
- Favorite Season: Spring
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
- Favorite Part of NNC: The Great Oaks
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Obsidian
- Favorite Flower: Lilac
Naturalist: Sam Retz
Hi! My name is Sam and I am one of the naturalists here at Ney. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2021 with a B.A. in Biology. I grew up in Boyceville Wisconsin on a dairy farm with my parents and sisters. I have always loved being outside no matter what the activity and am very happy to be able to share my love for the outdoors with others.
Some of my favorite activities outside include hunting, hiking, biking and sailing. No matter what the activity is though, I will always take the opportunity to look at plants and insects that I find. Ask me anything about plants or animals that you find in (or outside) the park!
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Black Bear
- Favorite Season: Fall
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Sailing
- Favorite Part of NNC: The ravine
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Shale
- Favorite Flower: American Columbine