Environmental Educator

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 Seneca Meadows Education Center is owned by the Seneca Meadows Landfill and operated through a cooperative agreement with Montezuma Audubon Center. The focus of the Center is to provide valuable environmentally based public and private programming to the local community.

The Environmental Educator is a part-time position, 20 hours/week, and will develop and deliver dynamic, high quality, and integrated environmental interpretation and education, outdoor recreation, conservation science and advocacy programs in Seneca Falls and Waterloo. They will lead programs at the Seneca Meadows Education Center and on occasion at Montezuma Audubon Center. The Educator is a critical liaison between the two centers and must adequately balance the needs of both facilities. They will also attend community outreach events at off-site locations.

Essential Functions

• Implement and lead environmental education and outdoor recreation programs for families, adults, and children at the Seneca Meadows Education Center and the Montezuma Audubon Center to include all aspects of programming, planning, creating lesson plans, set up and clean up, evaluation, and follow up. Types of programs include, but are not limited to, public programs, summer and vacation camps, sportsman camps, school and scout field trips, after-school programs, outreach programs, teacher training workshops, hikes, snowshoe hikes, paddles and tours.
• Staff the Seneca Meadows Environmental Education Center, interacting with the public and maintaining open hours; operate the Center and its programs with minimal supervision and collaboration with Seneca Meadows Staff.
• Actively monitor Conservation Easement Property in support of annual and periodic documentation for the Audubon Real Estate Office.
• Create interpretive materials for the public.
• Work with the Seneca Meadows Regional Manager on all aspects of Seneca Meadows programming, including promotion, registration, scheduling, pre-visit communication of programs, preparation of teacher curriculum packets, development of education materials, classroom and field site maintenance, and curriculum development.
• Maintain existing contacts and develop new relationships with community groups and individuals; coordinate and lead For The Birds (FTB!) programs at Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School in Seneca Falls, NY.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of newsletters, flyers, and proposals.
• Articulate the landfill operations of the Seneca Meadows Landfill to the public during open hours and at community events.
• Partner with Audubon staff to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into our education work. Participate fully and productively in staff meetings, planning efforts, and other shared staff duties.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Education or related field and 1-3 years’ experience developing and conducting education and outreach activities for all age groups and diverse audiences. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats, as well a basic natural history and environmental science.
• Demonstrated experience working with groups of children, adults, and families.
• Experience with developing guided and self-guided interpretive tools and programs preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well a strong organizational, time-management, and judgment skills.
• Must be self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products required.
• Must possess a valid New York state driver's license, or the ability to obtain one in a timely manner.
• Valid current First Aid, CPR, and Canoe Safety certifications or ability to obtain such certifications within 3 months of date of hire; wilderness Responder certification a plus.
• Ability to traverse all the major pathways and trails of the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve and MAC and on uneven terrain and lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Knowledge of proper canoeing techniques a must.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as requested.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.

This position is represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA).

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.