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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
The Teacher Naturalist commits the majority of their time to teaching and supporting the development of programs for youth, families, and adults in accordance with Mass Audubon’s educational philosophy, goals, standards, and practices. Other time may be used to support other 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 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 teaching and supporting the coordination of public, group, family, camp, and school programs as needed.

We are looking for an experienced educator who is enthusiastic, highly motivated, dedicated to environmental and climate education, loves to be outdoors and deeply committed to equity in access to nature for all. As a member of Mass Audubon’s dynamic Metro South Team, engaging both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring educational and outreach outcomes, and promoting Mass Audubon’s mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts for wildlife and people. The ideal candidate will also support Mass Audubon’s commitment to equity and justice and bring a diverse range of experiences, expressions, and views to their work. The Metro South Region includes Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, Museum of American Bird Art Education Center in Canton and Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton and incorporated the use of live animals, art, and sustainable farming in our education programing.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Education

• Teach programs with one or more sessions that incorporate a broad educational content including nature, wildlife, sustainable farming, and art for youth, families, and adults
• Assist in the development of 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
• Perform other position-related duties as assigned

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

• 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 attuite
• 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
• Must be first aid/CPR certified (or willing to become certified) and maintain certification

Nice to Haves

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

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $22.50-$24.83/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).

Work Schedule
This position is a Tuesday-Saturday, 40 hour per week position with occasional evening work required.

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.