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 Environmental Educator will develop and deliver dynamic, high quality, and integrated environmental interpretation and education, outdoor recreation, conservation science and advocacy programs in the Finger Lakes Region. They will lead programs at Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC), the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and off-site outreach will support Audubon’s strategic plan in Water, Working Lands, Climate Change, and Creating Bird-Friendly Communities. This is a full-time position that will not exceed 35 hours/week.

Compensation:

$33,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Implement and lead environmental education and outdoor recreation programs for families, adults, and children at the MAC 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, youth leadership programs, public programs, summer and vacation camps, youth hunter education camps, school field trips, Scout programs, after-school programs, outreach programs, teacher training workshops, hikes, snowshoe hikes, paddles and tours.
• Engage new audiences in Audubon’s conservation action programs to have significant bird conservation impact and broaden Audubon’s network.
• Work to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into our educational programming. Participate fully and productively in staff meetings, planning efforts, and other shared staff duties.
• Create interpretive materials, such as educational brochures and displays for the public.
• Work with the MAC Director on all aspects of MAC programming, including promotion, registration, scheduling, pre-visit communication of programs, prepare teacher curriculum packets, development of education materials, classroom and field site maintenance, and curriculum development.
• Conduct community science and conservation action projects and other monitoring of sites in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex that adds to the data and ecological knowledge of the sites.
• Collect and care for inanimate and live collections; acquire, create and maintain educational artifacts, equipment and supplies. Duties may include researching, purchasing, maintaining and storing such equipment and supplies.
• Interact with and work with the general public: Audubon members, teachers, board members, and government officials. This includes answering phones, fielding natural history questions and performing other administrative duties.
• Grow the Center’s programs, including outdoor recreation programs, such as hikes, paddles, snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski trips.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of newsletters, flyers, and proposals.
• Articulate the missions of the National Audubon Society, Audubon Connecticut/New York, Montezuma Audubon Center, and the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex to the community.
• Participate in Audubon New York’s strategic planning process and Montezuma Audubon Center conservation planning efforts.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Interpretation, Education, Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, or related field and
• 2+ years’ experience developing and conducting education and outreach activities for all age groups and diverse audiences.
• 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 basic office administration.
• Must possess a valid New York state driver's license, or the ability to obtain one in a timely manner.
• Obtain First Aid, CPR, AED, certifications and maintain certifications.
• Ability to traverse all the major pathways and trails of the MAC and on uneven terrain, lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation, and knowledge of proper paddling techniques a must.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as requested.

This position is represented by the 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.