Teacher Naturalist

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

Are you passionate about nature, science and the urban environment? Would you like to share that passion with others in a hands-on/minds-on, culturally responsive way? The Boston Nature Center (BNC) is hiring an enthusiastic and experienced educator to support its innovative educational programs offered to Boston children throughout the year.

Join a dynamic, creative team to plan, prepare and conduct age-appropriate, hands-on science lessons through BNC’s Growing with STEM, a deep partnership with Boston Public Schools. In this full time, 40-hour position, each week you will model, mentor, and coach classroom teachers in the use of inquiry-based teaching methods utilizing outdoor classrooms, and neighborhood green spaces to integrate science and the environment throughout their curriculum. Each semester you will work with BPS teaching teams to create new curriculum, teach classroom children each week in their schoolyards and neighborhoods and lead school yard clean-up and greening events.  In the summer you will lead one of BNC’s ACA accredited camps in either the Mattapan or West Roxbury location. In this role, you will supervise a dynamic team of summer educators, direct a high-quality science program for children ages 5 to 15 and support camp families connected to the program. The ideal candidate will also support Mass Audubon’s commitment to climate change education, equity, and justice and bring a diverse range of experiences, expressions, and views to their work.  

BNC is a beautiful 67-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of a bustling city. In the twenty years since its inception, the BNC has grown into a vibrant urban community nature center which offers a host of programs including a nationally-accredited summer camps, a licensed nature preschool, public programs, school-age programs, and professional development for local educators.

With over 17,000 children taking part in BNC environmental education programs, children ages three to eighteen are exploring and learning about urban nature in their school yards, in their neighborhoods and at the sanctuary.

BNC is a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values sharing information and life-long learning.  As a community, we hold ourselves to high-standards of performance. Equity and inclusion are guiding principles in every aspect of our work.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in Field Teacher trainings and professional development opportunities. 
• Work with Education staff to develop and deliver science and nature-based educational programs to summer programs, community groups and families. 
• Facilitate/lead groups of 10-15 program participants in hands-on, outdoor, and nature-based learning experiences at the Boston Nature Center, Boston green spaces, and schools.  
• Assist with the planning and development of new programs and activities as needed. 
• Monitor program participants in all types of outdoor environments and ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. 
• Maintain a professional work environment, which includes equipment cleanup and storage of program gear and materials. 
• Convey Mass Audubon’s mission, Action Agenda and educational philosophies throughout all programs. 

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: 

• A love of nature and teaching outdoors with children of varied backgrounds ages 3-18.
• BA or BS in environmental education, environmental studies, biology or earth science.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in environmental education or Master’s degree with a minimum of 2 years’ experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work cooperatively and independently, along with demonstrated interpersonal skills and commitment to helping others grow in understanding of and concern for the environment.
• Demonstrated ability to promote, embrace, and respect ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity and to accommodate physical and intellectual disabilities. 
• An innovative and open approach for continued growth and impact of environmental educational programming for Boston.

Nice to Have’s: 

• Strong community engagement and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based learning and be able to develop curricula aligned to city and state standards.
• Experience in a camp setting as an educator and/or supervisor.
• Fluency in English/Spanish (or other languages) is desirable. 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary ranges from $21.20 to $23.70 per hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. 

Benefits and Perks:

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 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 

This is a full-time, year-round schedule Monday through Friday, with the occasional weeknight and weekend events.

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 and include a resume and cover letter with your ADP application: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=452414&lang=en_US&source=EN.