Part-Time Seasonal Outdoor 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 National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and their habitats. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

Founded in 1954, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Sanctuary and Blair Audubon Center is a non-profit education center and wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. Located in the northeast of Naples, Florida, the Sanctuary encompasses over 13,000 acres. Habitats range from upland pine flatwoods and oak hammock to wetlands which include various types of marshes and the largest stand of old-growth bald cypress left in the world. The Sanctuary supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered bromeliads and orchids, over 200 bird species, and contributes to the land needed for Florida panthers.

Our part-time seasonal Outdoor Educator will lead and support outdoor education and nature interpretation programs on-site for Sanctuary visitors of all ages, on an occasional basis. This will include leading guided tours for adults and visiting groups, youth programming, nature birthday parties, school programming, full day camps, and other educational programs and events at the Sanctuary. They will also occasionally support our visitor center by working at our admissions desk and performing facility and boardwalk closing duties. This position is classified as part-time, seasonal at a rate of $15.00 per hour, from approximately October 2022 to April 2023.

Essential Functions

• Research, plans, delivers and evaluates interactive and engaging outdoor education and nature interpretation programs at the Sanctuary for visitors of all ages.
• Creates a meaningful experience for program participants, while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
• Ensures daily safety and well-being for program participants, as well as cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining of assigned areas and Sanctuary property.
• Interacts professionally and positively with co-workers, program participants, parents and Sanctuary visitors.
• Maintains and enhances existing activities/curriculum, including the upkeep of program materials and resources.
• Serves as a role model naturalist and environmental steward to the community.
• Interacts with the public to provide information about Audubon and Audubon’s mission, answers specific questions from visitors and is a positive ambassador of Audubon.
• Supports procurement of supplies and marketing and promotion of programs.
• Attends mandatory staff training as assigned.
• Supports admissions and retail operations throughout the Visitor Center.
• Assists with special events.
• Assists with end of the day facility closure by clearing the Sanctuary campus and boardwalk to ensure all visitors have safely exited.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have or be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or diploma in the field of education, recreation, environmental studies/science, natural history, geography or other related field.
• Minimum of two semesters/seasons of working in environmental education.
• Skills teaching in formal and informal settings to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to create, deliver and evaluate outdoor education lesson plans and activities.
• Excellent public speaking, interpersonal and group management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and humidity.
• CPR & First Aid certified or the ability to become certified prior to employment.
• Must be able to stand and traverse for long periods of time, lift up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation, and traverse uneven terrain for over 2 miles.
• Ability to work and collaborate with people of varying backgrounds.
• Background in south Florida natural history is desirable.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is ideal, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

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.