The Montezuma Audubon Center is a state owned facility operated through a cooperative agreement by The New York State Department of Conservation and Audubon. Dedicated to enhance the habitat of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and surrounding Important Bird Areas (IBAs), it is Audubon’s first Globally Significant Important Bird Area. Programs focus on the IBA, grassland habitat and engaging people in the conservation actions of the Wetlands Complex.
The Seasonal Educator will develop and deliver dynamic, high quality, and integrated environmental interpretation and education, outdoor recreation, conservation science and advocacy programs in Central New York. S/he will work with Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) Director and Environmental Education Specialist to lead youth sportsman, paddling and nature summer camps for elementary school and middle school students. The Educator is a seasonal position, 40 hours/week from July 2 - August 31.
- Implement and lead environmental education and outdoor recreation programs for summer camp children at the MAC to include all aspects of programming, planning, creating lesson plans, set up and clean up, evaluation, and follow up.
- Work with the Center Director on all aspects of MAC programming, including promotion, registration, scheduling, pre-visit communication of programs, preparation of teacher curriculum packets, development of education materials, classroom and field site maintenance, and curriculum development.
- Interact with and work with the general public: Audubon members, teachers, board members, and government officials. This includes answering phones, fielding natural history questions and performing other administrative duties.
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of newsletters, flyers, and proposals.
- Articulate the missions of the National Audubon Society, Audubon New York, the Montezuma Audubon Center, and the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex to the community.
- Other duties as assigned by the MAC Center Director.
- 2 years’ experience developing and conducting education and outreach activities for all age groups and diverse audiences;
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, the conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats, as well a basic natural history and environmental science.
- Demonstrated experience working with groups of children.
- Experience with developing guided and self-guided interpretive tools and programs preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well a strong organizational, time-management, and judgment skills.
- Must be self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient in basic office administration.
- Must possess a valid New York state driver's license, or the ability to obtain one in a timely manner.
- Valid current First Aid, CPR, and Canoe Safety certifications or ability to obtain such certifications within 1 month of date of hire.
- Ability to walk all the major pathways and trails of the MAC and on uneven terrain, lift up to 50 lbs, and knowledge of proper canoeing/kayaking techniques is a must.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as requested.