Audubon Conservation Leaders Intern

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 Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) is an environmental education center located in Dallas, Texas. Our 120-acre sanctuary includes 5 miles of walking trails winding through the Blackland Prairie, Great Trinity Forest, ponds, and the Trinity River, providing an outstanding learning opportunity in a diverse, beautiful setting.

The full-time, temporary Audubon Conservation Leaders (ACL) Intern works with the Academics Program Manager, Education Staff, and Groundskeeper at Trinity River Audubon Center to complete the objectives of the internship, including, but not limited to:

• Conservation project organization and implementation.
• Delivering public, school, or camp education programs.
• Designing and launching at least one social media campaign.

The full-time, temporary Intern will be supervised onsite by the Academic Programs Manager, and the overall program will be supervised remotely by the Community Outreach Coordinator for Youth Programs. This role will work a maximum of 40 hours per week for 8 weeks and paid hourly wages. The position is expected to begin in May 2023 and through July 2023. Housing will not be provided for this position.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

During the position, the Intern will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Participate in the ownership and implementation of the Blackland Prairie restoration project.
• Maintained onsite Greenhouse, including inventorying plants (both quantity and species) grown, maintaining a schedule for watering and tending plants, repotting species within the Greenhouse, and transferring plants from Greenhouse to outdoor locations when necessary and appropriate. Ensuring the Greenhouse is a clean and orderly workspace for staff and volunteers.
• Collect data and maintain a record of prairie restoration activities, including, but not limited to, diversity, quantity, and location of plants and the number of volunteers and volunteer hours engaged.
• Participate in invasive species removal and collecting seeds from native plants under supervision from the Academic Programs Manager and Groundskeeper.
• Participate in education, engagement, and stewardship opportunities that intentionally guide participants to contribute to conservation outcomes of the National Audubon Society’s strategic plan.
• Engage students in onsite environmental education programming.
• Work with educators and staff to improve community engagement and grow partnerships with local recreation centers and environmental non-profits.
• Maintain accurate records of program participation.
• Assist with special events at TRAC.
• Welcome visitors, check-in pre-registrants, check-in volunteers, and other front desk duties.
• Market programs and events to schools and the general public.
• Assist with animal care and office duties, as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recent High school graduate and active participant of the Audubon Conservation Leaders program in their senior year
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills are preferred.
• Proficient writing and speaking skills in English (Spanish proficiency a plus).
• A self-starter with a positive and enthusiastic approach to all tasks.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the Audubon mission of connecting people and communities to nature and the outdoors.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Demonstrates environmental stewardship actions.
• Willingness to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Collaborates well with coworkers, students of all ages, and the public, including teachers, parents, and volunteers.
• Has reliable transportation to Trinity River Audubon Center
• Knowledge of computer use, MS Office applications (Word, Excel), and social media platforms.
• Be able to carry at least 30 pounds and enjoy outdoor work.
• Ability to work self-guided and in a team environment with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
• It would be best if you were a creative, knowledgeable, and diligent person dedicated to conservation, education, and the environment.
• The position may involve moderate hiking, wading in the water, handling live animals, equipment maintenance, digging, planting, transporting equipment, and the ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Must be flexible and willing to assist with programs at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center when needed.
• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment.

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.