Visitor Services Volunteer - Weekends

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 www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

Our Visitor Services Volunteers welcome all visitors to Joppa Flats Education Center and help them find what they’re looking for. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share interests in nature. Front desk shifts are three-and-three-quarters hours long and can be in the morning or afternoon, Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional Monday holidays. Weekend volunteers work side by side with our Weekend Supervisors. We offer ongoing training and support.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors at the front desk
• Offer assistance with information about the sanctuary, the general area, programs, etc.
• Check membership status and record visitation statistics
• Help keep shop, lobby, front desk, and bathrooms neat and clean
• Promote and sell memberships
• Become familiar with Volunteer Information book and all materials available to visitors

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:

Must Haves 

• Volunteers must have a pleasant and professional manner and the ability to make visitors feel welcome.
• Dependable
• Must be 18 years of age
• Strong oral communication skills
• Able to work cooperatively and independently
• Experience with or willingness to learn how to use a computer for data collection

Nice to Haves 

• Familiarity with the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Newburyport area, and birding is a plus.

Additional Information

Opportunities are available for:

Morning shift: 8:30 am-12:15 pm

Afternoon shift: 12:15 pm-4:00 pm

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'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.

How To Apply

Please submit a cover letter to: