Teacher Naturalist II

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

The Teacher Naturalist II commits 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. At other times, this position 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 II assists in the coordination, preparation, and marketing of these educational programs and special events. This work will take place inside classrooms, online, and outside at our sanctuaries and other conservation areas including forest, urban green space, meadow, and wetland habitats.

The majority of hours will be spent coordinating, teaching and overseeing public programs and visitor engagement; the Teacher Naturalist II will also coordinate and instruct group, family, camp, and school programs as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

Education

• Develop and implement programs with one or more sessions that incorporate broad educational content for youth, families, and adults
• Develop lessons and activities for camp, festivals, events, and other educational related activities
• Conduct evaluation of programs and other educational related activities
• Complete Program Animal Handling Training and be comfortable with all aspects of animal handling and presentation; this may include (but is not limited to) the safe handling of snakes and other reptiles, birds (including raptors), small mammals and invertebrates
• Serve as a resource on natural history, environmental policy, and conservation science issues for visitors, members, and volunteers
• 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, scheduling, and marketing of educational programs
• Conduct evaluation of programs and other related activities
• Maintain accurate records of programs and program participants
• Provide work direction for volunteers.
• Monitor program income and expenses in a budget up to $100,000 and inform supervisor of variances
• 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
• 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:

Must Have’s

• Bachelor’s degree in education, biological or earth science, environmental studies, or equivalent with three or more years of experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong customer service people first attitude 
• Flexibility and ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work as an effective team member.
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• Proficiency with Microsoft platforms, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Massachusetts
• First Aid/CPR certified (or willing to become certified) and maintain certification

Nice to Have’s 

• Experience working with animals
• Experience teaching with education animal ambassadors

*The successful candidate will bring the following to our team of professional educators: enthusiasm for and knowledge of the natural world and environmental education, an ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, experience or comfort level to learn to teach with live program animals, including owls, falcons, hawks, snakes, and turtles, strong networking and communication abilities, and excellent interpersonal skills for working with the general public.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $21.50-$23.00/hour; actual salary 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 through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

This position is a Wednesday through Sunday, 40 hours per week position. This position will work 12:00pm-8:30pm on Thursday and Friday nights during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and 12:00pm-8:30pm on Fridays during the winter season.

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 apply on ADP Workforce Now at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=451938&lang=en_US&source=EN.