2023 Delaware River Watershed Fellowship at the John James Audubon Center

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The John James Audubon Center, a member of the Alliance for Watershed Education (AWE), is seeking to hire a Fellow from the Norristown area to help connect with local community members around protecting the Delaware River and its waterways. The Delaware River Watershed Fellowship is a 12-week, paid summer job opportunity designed to introduce young people from local communities to careers in environmental education. Fellows are hired at one of 23 environmental education centers across the Delaware River Watershed. Fellows are paid $15.50/hr., 35-40 hours a week over the summer.

Fellows participate in training sessions to help prepare them for a summer of helping people connect with nature and informing their local communities about issues affecting the Delaware River, the source of drinking water for 13 million people living in the region.

The John James Audubon Center (JJAC) is located at 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA 19403. The Fellow will spend a portion of their time interacting with the section of the Perkiomen Creek found on JJAC property, and parts of the Schuylkill River that run through Norristown.

Essential dates:

• June 5, 2023: Fellow start date at the John James Audubon Center (Fellows may arrange with their Supervisor to begin any time within the first week of the program).
• June 14-16: Fellowship Orientation (overnight) at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Meals,transportation, and accommodations provided).
• August 18: Watershed Fellowship Summit (location to be announced).
• August 25: Last day of Fellowship (Fellows may finish their term of service any time after the August 18 Summit
  as needed).

Compensation:

$15.50 / hour

Essential Functions

• Fellows will participate in a 3-day watershed education training, at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (overnight, June 14-16.) http://www.peec.org/ (Depending on Covid limitations at the time, some or all of this training may take place virtually.)
• Fellows will help their host Center lead programs and activities, whether in-person or virtually, for community members and visitors to their site.
• Fellows will attend virtual webinars as well as in-person meetings with Fellows from other AWE Centers.
• Fellows will be paired with mentors from AWE Centers as well as past Fellowship alumni. Fellows will check in with their mentors twice a month.
• With guidance from their supervisor and mentors, Fellows will focus their efforts on a specific Capstone Project and present their work at the end-of-program Summit event (August 18).
• Fellows will document their progress by completing a short log report every week.

The John James Audubon Center Fellow will specifically:

• Work with supervisor to develop a capstone project that benefits the Norristown community and deepens connections and engagement with JJAC and the Perkiomen Creek with an eye towards expanding watershed protection. Capstone project should also include opportunities to engage new and diverse audiences, including underrepresented groups.
• Assist with leading environmental education and programming at JJAC and in the community.
• Assist with public events at JJAC.
• Monitor and document JJAC Museum guest experience, gathering data through surveys and interviews.
• Assist in communication with Audubon’s constituents via targeted emails and social media.
• Greet visitors to the John James Audubon Center Museum and along onsite pathways.
• Assist with site maintenance, including debris or trash clean up, as well as office tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Age 18+ by June 5, 2023 start date.
• A background in environmental education is not required.
• Appreciation of the natural world and commitment to engaging diverse audiences in conservation.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and willingness to greet visitors and start conversations with strangers.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Willingness to participate in nature-based programming in an outdoor setting, including in the Perkiomen
  Creek.
• Valid state driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required OR proficient with public transportation.
• Candidates from Norristown are preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is also preferred.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.