Education Coordinator

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 Education Coordinator will assist in the development and implementation of our environmental, public and volunteer programs conducted by Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center (SCPAC). The focus will be school programs including, outdoor field trips, classroom visits as well as coordinating and running our summer day camp program with the Lincoln Community Learning Centers. The Education Coordinator will also assist in planning community programs and events for families and adult participants, including community science projects, both at the Center and in local communities. The Education Coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, lead volunteer recruitment and communication, as well as plan and lead volunteer workdays, trainings, and related activities.
The Education Coordinator will report directly to the Senior Education Manager. This position is primarily in-person at SCPAC, Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30, with some flexibility for remote work occasionally.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is located in the tallgrass prairie region of southeast Nebraska. The Center’s 850 acres are managed for over 250 bird species and provide an outdoor classroom visited by up to 14,000 students and adults each year.

Compensation

• $42,000 to $45,000/year

Essential Functions

Programs
• Lead and/or support creation and facilitation of all field trip education programs.
• Lead science and environmental education curricula at SCPAC, local schools and community sites for pre-K, elementary, middle and high school students.
• Coordinate logistics of education programs with teachers and other audiences, including marketing and promotion, registration, scheduling, and pre/post visit communication.
• Partner with other conservation and informal education organizations to deliver innovative and collaborative programming focused around Audubon’s strategic priorities and initiatives: Bird Friendly Communities, Working Lands, Climate, Water and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Work closely with the Sr Education Manager to develop relationships with members of the community and provide meaningful programming to meet their needs and desires. Plan and deliver community, adult and family outreach programs.
• Develop and implement fun and hands-on environmental education activities and curricu
• la for the summer day camps with Community Learning Centers.
• Collaborate with Audubon colleagues to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated into Spring Creek’s programming.
• Ensure daily safety and well-being for students and program attendees as well as communication with parents, teachers or other Audubon staff.
• Assist Senior Education Manager in staffing and oversight of seasonal education staff, including interns and volunteer educators.
• Prepare program materials and reports.
Volunteers
• Lead volunteer coordination, including recruitment, retention and training.
• Provide regular and consistent communication to volunteers and maintain all volunteer records and necessary documentation
• Work closely with program area leads, including the Senior Education Manager, to identify and schedule volunteer workdays and enrichment programs
• Work closely with the Senior Education Manager to develop and implement community science programs and projects; lead specific community science programs independently
SCPAC Operations
• Assist with visitor center operations ranging from welcoming visitors and general maintenance to creation of program signage and outreach materials.
• Assist as necessary with the maintenance of nature center buildings and grounds.
• Maintain and enhance existing activities/curricula including upkeep of program materials and resources.
• Interact professionally and positively with students, teachers, parents, and visitors,
• Interact with the public to provide information about SCPAC and the Audubon organization; answer specific questions for visitors to SCPAC; be a positive organizational ambassador.
• Participate in on-the-job and/or formal training opportunities
• Assist in reporting and development projects in conjunction with the Senior Education Manager, Center Director or other Audubon staff.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to coordinate on-site research projects.
• Other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Please provide a bulleted list of minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, education or a related field and at least one year of experience working with children and adults in an outdoor educational setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Enjoy working with public and children of all ages in an outdoor setting
• Experience working with volunteers
• Knowledge of local (Nebraska prairie) birds, plants, wildlife and Nebraska natural and cultural history encouraged.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with ability to effectively engage with program attendees, volunteers, public visitors, board members and other staff.
• Must be a self-starter, possess sound judgment and decision-making skills, and the ability to bring new ideas to the table. Talent for working with a team, as well as independently, with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
• Ability to operate – or willingness to learn to operate – various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willing to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and transport up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other web-based applications.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with ability & willingness to travel locally, and surrounding communities when necessary.
• Ability to work long, flexible hours when needed, including evenings and weekends.

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.