Teacher Naturalist

Job Description

Job Description

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking a Teacher Naturalist for our Boston region, primarily based out of the Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary in Mattapan, MA . This individual dedicates the majority of their time to developing and teaching programs to youth, families, and adults in accordance with Mass Audubon’s educational philosophy, goals, standards, and practices. This position also may supervise education staff and serve as a resource on natural history, environmental policy, and conservation science issues for visitors, members, other staff, and volunteers. The Teacher Naturalist assists in the coordination, preparation, and marketing of these educational programs and special events.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Education

• Develop and implement programs with one or more sessions that incorporate a broad educational content for youth, families, and adults
• Develop lessons and activities for camp, festivals, events, field trips, and other educational related activities
• Coordinate and support Youth and Family program portfolio including birthday party scheduling and staffing
• Conduct evaluation of programs and other educational related activities
• Coordinate and implement grant-funded in-school programming around planting native plants in schoolyards, including management of grant, evaluation, staff, and materials
• Serve as a resource on natural history, environmental policy, and conservation science issues for internal and external communities (ex, school groups and colleagues)
• Maintain educational supplies, curricula, instructional materials, and resources
• Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority

Administration/Supervision

• Assist in the planning and scheduling of educational programs
• Conduct evaluation of programs and other related activities
• Maintain accurate records of programs and program participants
• Provide work direction for up three (3) non-supervisory full-time employees and/or up to five (5) full-time-equivalent part-time staff or volunteers; this includes providing new employee orientation, assigning work, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring
• Participate in planning, writing, and preparation of program catalogs, site-based informational brochures, and education related publications, including e-communications
• Orient visitors, members, and community in Mass Audubon’s mission, programs, and stewardship

Other

• Attend sanctuary staff meetings and actively participate with the Director of Education in statewide education staff meetings, education work groups, and professional development trainings, as required
• Work directly with colleagues to collaborate, evaluate, and evolve our program portfolio, stepping in to support where needed
• Assist in activities during vacation weeks, camp, and special events, and support membership development and fundraising, as needed

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or earth science environmental studies, nature interpretation, or education or equivalent, and least three years of experience in environmental education; or Master’s degree in aforementioned areas of study, and at least one year of related experience
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• At least one year of supervisory experience
• Knowledge of local natural history, environmental policies and conservation science issues desirable
• Requires First Aid and CPR certifications upon hire

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $25.00-$27.00 per hour; actual rate of pay will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Evening and/or weekend hours may be required.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.