Camp

After-Camp Care Coordinator (June-August 2013)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The After-Camp Care Coordinator will be responsible for supervising children in the After-Camp Care Program. The After-Camp Care Program is scheduled to run Tuesday through Friday, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., for the sessions for children ages 6-8. On alternating weeks, After-Camp Care is scheduled Tuesday through Friday, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. for children ages 9-10. The coordinator’s hours will begin 30 minutes before the start time and end 30 minutes after the last child has been picked up. The coordinator will work with the Camp Program Coordinator and the camp staff during the week to schedule activities and organize material needs.

This position is designed for someone who enjoys working with children on an informal basis. Our after-camp care is a “non-camp” activity space with self-guided games, small group activities, and books. The coordinator supervises and assists the children, and may lead games, songs, or read stories. The coordinator is responsible for the safety and well-being of each child at after-care and must be responsible and professional to manage and coordinate the parent pick-up procedure.

The term for this position is during June, July, and August for the 7 weeks of camp, depending on demand. Camp begins June 18 and ends August 16. Joppa Flats is seeking one person for the After Camp Care Coordinator position.

Responsibilities:

• Working with the Camp Program Coordinator to develop activities and schedules.
• Daily preparation and clean up of after camp care.
• Leading and supervising after camp care activities with children ages 6-10 in a positive, safe, and fun environment.
• Maintaining a safe After-Camp Care Program by following all camp safety guidelines.
• Working with the Camp Program Coordinator for evaluation, feedback, and parent communication; attending sessions of camp staff training.
• Documenting and reporting issues, accidents, and situations so that we can evaluate and learn from them.
• Presenting a pleasant, polite, and friendly demeanor for campers and parents

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• First Aid and CPR certification required (must become certified before camp begins), a valid driver‘s license, and successful completion of CORI and SORI.
• Creativity, humor, reliability, flexibility, patience, enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work with people of all ages, interests and backgrounds;
• Experience in a camp leadership, team leadership, or mentoring position a plus;
• Local knowledge of New England coastal ecology and passion for conservation and education a plus, but not required;
• Background in early childhood education, child development, or other youth-focused field a plus.

Commitment: 13-15 weeks, contingent on demand, beginning no later than June 10, 2013

Schedule/Hours: Schedule changes weekly. At most, Tuesday through Friday, 2-2.5 hours per day; maximum 12 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: $10-13 per hour depending on experience

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Elyssa Davis, Camp Program Coordinator
edavis@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998 ext. 6805

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Internships

Animal Husbandry Intern (May-August 2013)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The Animal Husbandry Interns will spend the early part of their internship assisting with the implementation of ecology-based programs and field trips offered onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and offsite on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, environmental awareness and stewardship, bird migration, and endangered species.

After the school year ends, the Animal Husbandry Interns will begin preparing for our daily drop-in visitor program, Meet Beach Creatures (MBC), which will be offered Tuesday through Sunday in July through August.

The term for this internship is May through August. Extensions may be possible. Joppa Flats is seeking three interns for this position.

Responsibilities may include:

• Maintain our 110- and 50- gallon cold marine aquarium tanks; care for and feed their inhabitants (coastal invertebrates and fish); perform necessary tank maintenance.
• Lead bi-monthly collecting trips to release tank organisms and collect new ones (often starting at 8 am).
• Provide and develop interpretation of aquarium tanks to visitors during MBC; topics may include local marine life, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
• Maintain necessary housing, care, and feeding for temporary seasonal “guests” (tadpoles, insects, etc.) and provide interpretation for visitors.
• Design themed art projects, demonstrations, and self-guided activities for visitors, as well as visitor experience materials (posters, flyers, activity kits, handouts, and signage).
• Assist with family, youth, and school programs including boat cruises, birding trips, backyard wildlife talks, and drop-in programs.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age or a senior in high school
• Experience with tank maintenance, animal care, and feeding (salt water preferred)
• Local knowledge of New England coastal ecology and rocky shore species a plus but not required
• Experience with outdoor activities such as birding and tide pooling
• Experience interacting with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds
• Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience leading teens in a team-like atmosphere

Commitment: 12-15 weeks, starting no later than May 21, 2013

Schedule/Hours: Flexible days plus some two Saturdays per month and at least one Sunday during the summer. Choose from the following dates: June 2, July 28, or August 11, 2013. Minimum 20 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid internship.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Lisa Hutchings, Education Coordinator of School & Youth Programs
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998 ext. 6804

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Family Programs and Events Intern (May-August 2013)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The Family Events and Programs (FEP) Intern works with the Education Coordinator of School & Youth Programs on the implementation of ecology-based programs offered onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and offsite on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, environmental awareness and stewardship, bird migration, and endangered species.

Family Programs and Events Interns’ responsibilities will be divided into three areas: program development, program preparation, and visitor experience.

The term for this internship is May through August. Extensions may be possible. Joppa Flats is seeking three interns for this position. Extensions may be possible.

Responsibilities may include:

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and implementation of family drop-in programs on at least two Saturdays a month.
• Mandatory: At least one of the following dates for assisting with the implementation of our monthly public free-for-all events on Sunday June 2, 2013 or Sunday July 28, 2013 or Sunday August 11, 2013.
• Create weekly guided and self-guided activities for the lobby (may include outdoor games, group activities, experiment demonstrations, storytelling and puppets, and/or art projects).
• Maintain necessary housing, care, and feeding for temporary seasonal “guests” (tadpoles, insects, etc.) and provide interpretation for visitors.
• Develop program materials like posters, promotional flyers, activity kits, teaching handouts, and signage for visitors. .
• Assist staff on family and youth programs such as boating trips, birding trips, backyard exploration, and coastal programs.
• Assist when needed with the maintenance and care of our 110- and 50- gallon cold marine aquarium tanks.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old or a senior in high school
• Experience organizing or leading programs and activities for children a plus, but not required
• Experience with outdoor activities such as birding, tide pooling, kayaking
• Local knowledge of New England ecology and experience with animal care or aquaria both an advantage but not required
• Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds

Commitment: A minimum of 12-15 weeks starting no later than May 21, 2013

Schedule/Hours: Two Saturdays per month, plus 1 mandatory Sunday during the summer. Flexible weekdays; minimum 20 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid internship.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Lisa Hutchings, Education Coordinator of School & Youth Programs
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998 ext. 6804

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Volunteering with Mass Audubon
Joppa Flats offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities and internships for people of all interests and experience levels. Volunteers are valued members of the Mass Audubon team and provide an important link to our local communities. Whether you have a lifetime interest in nature or are just getting started, Joppa Flats has a place for you.

Volunteer

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer
Location: Newburyport, MA

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Volunteers are adults who are masters at organization and research but may not want to work directly with the public. BTS Volunteers help with the preparation, organization, and completion of projects that continuously improve our education programs. BTS Volunteers also assist with Project “STUFF,” the ongoing process where we “sort, toss, unpack, find, and file” everything from program kits to closets to donated recyclables. If you are a super-organizer or like the satisfaction that comes from knowing your work helps to keep our education programs running smoothly, get in touch with us about becoming a BTS Volunteer!

Projects may include:

• Researching background information to add to new and already existing program topics
• Cataloging and reshelving our extensive library in our Resource Room,
• Fact-checking information for already existing program topics,
• Organizing arts and crafts supplies and storage areas
• Inventorying program kits that contain signage, visual aids, lesson plans, games, and presentation props
• Creating handouts, signage, or publicity for events or programs
• Filing, sorting, laminating, and copying,
• Revising current program descriptions, outlines, and classroom materials
• Performing individualized tasks or research based on your interests and time availability.

Qualifications: Must be able to commit to at least one three-six hour shift per week during the school year (September-June)

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Lisa Hutchings
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-9998

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Education Volunteer
Location: Newburyport, MA

Do you love the outdoors and sharing nature with children? Become an Education Volunteer at Joppa Flats! Throughout the school year, Joppa Flats staff and volunteers offer a wide range of coastal ecology and birding programs for children on-site at Joppa Flats, at schools, and in various local habitats on Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Watch this YouTube Video to see what it’s like being an Educational Volunteer.

• Attend Education Volunteer training classes (fall, winter, spring)
• Shadow and assist Teacher Naturalists and Program Leaders with a variety of programs
• Develop skills to lead or assist with groups of 10-20 students from area schools
• Increase student awareness of the natural world through on-location hands-on activities
• Assist staff and leaders in preparation and organization of materials
• Help spread the Mass Audubon mission to increase awareness and inspire stewardship
• Participate in planning and/or development meetings as desired

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Some teaching experience Basic natural history science background; local natural history of Plum Island a plus
• Interest in natural history, environmental education
• Enthusiastic, friendly, creative, flexible, responsible, and punctual
• Attendance at all Education Volunteer training classes
• Successful interview and background check

Commitment: At least two half days a month during the school year (September-June)

Compensation and Benefits: Education Volunteers receive coastal New England habitat training, develop an outdoor education teaching techniques, work with experienced educators, and become part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Lisa Hutchings, Teacher Naturalist
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998

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