Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Membershipsvolunteerism
Committees
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Tara Miller

Cranbury,New Jersey

Summary

Preserve Manager at Township of Plainsboro with a focus on public education in conservation and environmental initiatives. Demonstrated success in project management, financial operations, and strategic marketing to improve visitor engagement and promote environmental stewardship. Expertise in developing innovative community projects that foster awareness and participation in conservation efforts.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Preserve Manager

Township of Plainsboro
Plainsboro, NJ
11.2019 - Current
  • Managed research, development, and operations of a 1,000-acre preserve, promoting diverse programs and services.
  • Led staffing operations for an educational center, inspiring team dedication and program enrichment.
  • Strategically prepared and managed annual and capital budgets to ensure fiscal health.
  • Implemented record management systems to enhance transparency and efficiency in operations.
  • Founded the Friends of the Plainsboro Preserve to enhance community engagement and support initiatives.
  • Monitored trails to maintain high-quality visitor experiences by addressing necessary improvements promptly.
  • Oversaw maintenance of gardens and grounds, ensuring accessibility and beauty.
  • Collaborated with community leaders to develop outreach programs, secure funding, and engage in innovative planning.

Environmental Program Coordinator

Township of Plainsboro, Recreation and Community Services Department
Plainsboro, NJ
07.2015 - 01.2021
  • Coordinate and organize annual events such as the Halloween event, Wellness Fair, National Kids to Park Day, and summer evening park programs
  • Implemented the Junior Ranger Program for school-aged students and created an educational workbook for them
  • Established a teen gardening program called 'Creative Gardening,' which includes cooking with the produce grown during the summer
  • Continued the Preschool Nature program and launched additional nature programs for school-aged children
  • Recruit and supervise volunteers and community groups for various events
  • Collaborate with the Department of Public Works on Clean Communities grant projects
  • Organize an annual stream cleanup to improve and restore Plainsboro’s natural environment
  • Educate the community through year-round interpretive and environmental programs and community-wide events
  • Established a three-season outdoor teen archery program

Plainsboro Centennial Committee Event Chair

Township of Plainsboro
Plainsboro, NJ
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Coordinated, planned, and executed 12 centennial events that occurred throughout the entire year for over 10,000 people
  • Oversaw layout and printing of the Centennial calendar and other promotional materials
  • Established a task management schedule
  • Recruited and worked with key volunteers and staff
  • Communicated responsibilities and ensured objectives were met
  • Worked with vendors on the various events

Park Ranger/Environmental Educator

Township of Plainsboro
Plainsboro, NJ
06.2008 - 07.2015
  • Implemented the Junior Ranger Program for school-aged students and created an educational workbook for them
  • Expanded the Preschool Nature program by increasing class sizes, the number of classes, and year-round offerings
  • Responsible for community safety, including securing parks, entrance gates, and other facilities
  • Collaborated with the Department of Public Works on Clean Communities grant projects
  • Organized an annual stream cleanup to enhance and restore Plainsboro’s natural environment
  • Educated the community through year-round interpretive and environmental programs and community-wide events

Naturalist and Butterfly House Curator

The Watershed Institute
Pennington, NJ
09.2006 - 05.2008
  • Successfully sourced native butterflies to enhance the Butterfly House collection, enriching visitor experiences
  • Provided comprehensive training and supervision for volunteers and interns dedicated to the Butterfly House, fostering a knowledgeable and passionate team
  • Expertly maintained the gardens within the Butterfly House, creating a vibrant habitat for butterflies and an inviting space for visitors
  • Crafted informative visitor interpretation guides that engage and educate our guests about the wonders of butterflies
  • Delivered captivating weekly tours that inform the public about native plants, gardening practices, and the fascinating biology of butterflies, inspiring a deeper appreciation for our environment

Education

Bachelor’s of Science - Geology

University of Pittsburgh of Johnstown
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Master’s of Science - Education K-12

Pennsylvania Western University, California
California, Pennsylvania

Skills

  • Project planning
  • Recruiting and interviewing
  • Problem-solving
  • Resource allocation
  • Financial management
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Wilderness First Responder/Emergency response
  • Risk management
  • Natural history
  • Wildlife and land management/conservation/stewardship
  • Customer service
  • Networking strategies
  • Marketing
  • Event planning
  • Environmental Education
  • Volunteer management
  • Community outreach
  • Innovation and creativity

Membershipsvolunteerism

  • Member of National Recreation and Park Association
  • Volunteer Water quality Monitor for The Watershed Institute
  • Rutgers Master Gardener of Mercer County
  • National Archery School Program (NASP) instructor

Committees

  • Master Gardener Community Outreach Chair, 02/01/16, 12/31/21, Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Plan and organize displays for various community days throughout the county., Coordinate chairs for each event., Coordinate volunteers to staff the Helpline Q&A table for all of the events.
  • Master Gardener Insect Festival Co-Chair, 01/01/17, 12/31/21, Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Plan and organize the annual Insect Festival., Coordinate volunteers for the educational activities for the event., Coordinate volunteer set up for the event.

Affiliations

· Member of Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association

· Member of National Recreation and Park Association

· Volunteer Naturalist for the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association

· Rutgers Master Gardener of Mercer County

Certification

  • National Archery School Program (NASP) instructor
  • National Outdoor Leadership School- NOLS- Wilderness First Responder
  • University of Delaware- Environmental Management Institute

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Preserve Manager

Township of Plainsboro
11.2019 - Current

Plainsboro Centennial Committee Event Chair

Township of Plainsboro
01.2018 - 12.2019

Environmental Program Coordinator

Township of Plainsboro, Recreation and Community Services Department
07.2015 - 01.2021

Park Ranger/Environmental Educator

Township of Plainsboro
06.2008 - 07.2015

Naturalist and Butterfly House Curator

The Watershed Institute
09.2006 - 05.2008

Bachelor’s of Science - Geology

University of Pittsburgh of Johnstown

Master’s of Science - Education K-12

Pennsylvania Western University, California

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