Eco-Leadership Teacher Naturalist

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 Greenwich Audubon Center in Greenwich, Connecticut provides the opportunity to work in a day camp setting with children ages 5 to 11 and our Eco Leadership Corps, a paid internship program for high school students working with the camp. Camp runs for eight weeks and campers spend time exploring the meadows, ponds, and forests at the Audubon Center. Summer Camp Teacher Naturalists will work with the Camp Director and Audubon Education Specialists to develop lesson plans. You will conduct daily hikes and other activities with a group of up to 15 children, while maintaining a safe, fun, and educational environment.

This position begins on June 12, 2023, and includes a week of staff training from June 19 to June 24. Summer Nature Day Camp begins on June 26 and ends on August 18. The daily work hours are 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Each Tuesday all staff will be required to attend a staff meeting from 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (day subject to change).

This position is on-site at The Greenwich Audubon Center in Greenwich, CT.

Compensation:

$18.00 - $19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Attend a week-long camp training led by Greenwich Audubon staff.
• Develop and implement eight weeks of ecology/nature-based curriculum.
• Teach a group of up to 14 children for day-long sessions.
• Provide a fun, educational experience for children during camp.
• Maintain the safety and well-being of all camp participants.
• Maintain a respectful and collegial team environment with fellow staff.
• Follow all Audubon and CDC guidelines for Covid-19 safety, including mandating proper distancing between campers and staff, mask-wearing, not sharing materials, keeping groups separated, cleaning and disinfecting, etc.
• Counselors must keep good communication with the Camp Director to report bathroom usage (for cleaning purposes,) possible sick campers, as well as other camp communication as required
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, materials, tables and chairs and other items used during the day will be expected at the end of each camp day or as needed. Seasonal Educators will be required to wear a mask at all times while on the Audubon grounds, with many built-in mask breaks at safe distances throughout the day
• Seasonal Educators may help with other aspects of a nature center, such as contacting camp parents by phone or email, photocopying, or more
• All Audubon staff are required to use their best judgment in determination of the safety of personal activities outside of camp hours. By joining the Greenwich Audubon team, staff commit to refrain from crowded, unmasked or indoor activities where the CDC has established there is a greater likelihood of Covid transmission.

Qualifications and Experience

• College coursework in biology, ecology, or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of local ecology and natural history.
• Ability to teach natural history concepts, as well as the desire to work outdoors and lead hikes.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Strong oral communication skills, especially when speaking with camp parents and/or guardians.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to commit to the entire period of work.
• Must have current immunizations/medical forms; CPR and First Aid certification are a plus.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.

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

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

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