Seasonal 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 Educator is an essential team member and will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of environmental public and school programs conducted by Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center (SCPAC) that are aligned with Audubon priorities. The focus will be school programs including, outdoor field trips, classroom visits as well as assisting with our summer day camp program with the Lincoln Community Learning Centers. The Educator will also assist in planning community programs and events for families and adult participants, including community science projects, both at the Center and in local communities, and with other aspects of Center operations.

The Educator will report directly to the Senior Education Manager. This position is primarily in-person at SCPAC, Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30, with some flexibility for remote work occasionally and the possibility of some weekend work in the visitor center or for public programs/events. This is a 8 month seasonal position.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is located in the tallgrass prairie region of southeast Nebraska. The Center’s 850 acres are managed for over 250 bird species and provide an outdoor classroom visited by up to 14,000 students and adults each year.

Compensation:

$17.00 - $19.00 / hour dependent on experience

Essential Functions

• Assist with the planning and facilitation of all field trip education programs.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of public environmental education programs for the public.
• Assist Education Coordinator with volunteer programs, volunteer training, and community science projects.
• Assist Education team members with partnerships with other conservation and informal education organizations to deliver innovative and collaborative programming focused around Audubon’s strategic priorities and initiatives: Bird Friendly Communities, Working Lands, Climate, Water and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Assist with the development and implementation of fun and hands-on environmental education activities for the summer day camps with Community Learning Centers.
• Collaborate with Audubon colleagues to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated into Spring Creek’s programming.
• Assist Education Coordinator in ensuring daily safety and well-being for students and program attendees.
• Assist Education Coordinator in preparation of program materials and reports.
• Assist with visitor center operations ranging from welcoming visitors staffing the front desk, and general maintenance to creation of program signage and outreach materials.
• Assist as necessary with the maintenance of nature center buildings and grounds.
• Interact professionally and positively with students, teachers, parents, and visitors,
• Interact with the public to provide information about SCPAC and the Audubon organization; answer specific questions for visitors to SCPAC; be a positive organizational ambassador.
• Participate in on-the-job and/or formal training and professional development opportunities
• Other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, education or a related field and experience working with children and adults in an outdoor educational setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Enjoy working with public and children of all ages in an outdoor setting
• Experience working with volunteers
• General knowledge of birds, plants, wildlife and Nebraska natural and cultural history encouraged.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with ability to effectively engage with program attendees, volunteers, public visitors, and other staff.
• Must be a self-starter, possess sound judgment and decision-making skills, and the ability to bring new ideas to the table. Talent for working with a team, as well as independently, with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
• Ability to operate – or willingness to learn to operate – various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willing to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and transport up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other web-based applications.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with ability & willingness to travel locally, and surrounding communities when necessary.
• Ability to work long, flexible hours when needed, including evenings and weekends.

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.