Early Careers Science Lead

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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization and to providing greater access to nature for everyone. Part of this work requires us to address the historic inequities within the environmental and conservation fields, which is why the Massachusetts Climate Corps (MCC) was created. The MCC aims to empower young professionals from underrepresented communities to become leaders in the environmental and conservation fields. We strive to do this by providing meaningful summer career opportunities at Mass Audubon sanctuaries and/or partner organizations on various climate focused projects initiatives. The Corps is designed to support young adults in refining their professional goals, propelling them forward in their careers, and building the foundation to grow into experts and conservation thought leaders in their respective fields.

As the Diversity and Inclusion division expands the MCC and aims to provide participants with relevant career experiences and skills, our team seeks an Early Careers Science Lead to strengthen the co-creation of culturally relevant, science-based programming for early career development. Specifically, the ability to connect our Conservation Science work at our sanctuaries and environmental justice work within historically marginalized communities.

In collaboration with the Director of Early Career Programs, the Diversity and Inclusion Department, and the Conservation Science Department, the Early Careers Science Lead will serve as a liaison for science-based programming for Massachusetts Climate Corps.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities
The Early Careers Science Lead engages with the Director of Early Career Programs and the Conservation Science Department to develop meaningful climate resilience projects for the Massachusetts Climate Corps.

• Work with Director of Early Career Programs and the Conservation Science Department to identify climate resilience protocols and field work for the MCC
• Serve as a liaison between the Conservation Science Department and D&I Team (e.g. attend Team Meetings, etc.)
• Translate scientific literature, protocols, and practices to be accessible for MCC Corps Members (e.g. consider language barriers, first-time fieldwork experiences, etc.)
• Collaborate with Director of Early Career Programs to incorporate climate resilience fieldwork into a climate resilience/justice curriculum
• Research and make recommendations on Climate Resilience, Science, and/or Environmental Justice literature to strengthen Climate Corps research projects
• Participate in interviews for Massachusetts Climate Corps staff
• Train MCC Corps Leaders on protocols, field work, and curriculum
• Support MCC Corps Leaders in fieldwork by visiting sites throughout the summer
• Collaborate with the Director of Early Career Programs to evaluate the MCC program

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

• Must be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor’s or advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) program in the following fields of study: biology, environmental science, conservation, urban planning, etc. or equivalent experience
• A commitment to practicing conservation through a lens of equity, inclusion, and access
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• Training and experience pertinent to the responsibilities and projects listed above
• Experience in field work and research projects
• Experience in curriculum development, training design, work force development
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions
• Ability to work in a hybrid/remote work environment
• Valid driver’s license and insurance; 3 years driving experience

Nice to Haves

• Experience in work force development
• Experience with community science, service learning, etc.
• Interest in conservation work through a critical ecology lens
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay is $25.00/hour. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
This position begins in the winter of 2024 (starting mid-March) at 15 hours a week and increases hours in the summer of 2024 (starting mid-June) to 40 hours a week for 10 weeks. Occasional evening hours may be required in April to participate in interview sessions. This position ends in mid-September 2024.

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 embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.