The Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center is a nature center in the heart of Phoenix's Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area--a 600-acre park space in the historic Salt River corridor. Since its opening in 2009, the Center has been a gateway to a lush Sonoran riparian habitat used by over 200 species of birds and other wildlife. The free admission Center offers interactive exhibits, an interpretive loop trail, connections to the Rio Salado Habitat's sixteen miles of hiking and riding trails and a variety of programs, including family nature walks, wildlife encounters, birding classes and bird walks, school field trip programs and our Audubon Adventures Summer Camp Program.
Education Assistants will work with the Camp Director to help market, develop curriculum, and teach science and environmental education to 8-12 year old students through our summer camp program, Audubon Adventures. Curriculum preparation and training will occur from May 14th-June 8th, with an average of 20 hours per week. Summer camp runs June 11th-July 27th with 6 uniquely themed science/nature/wildlife weeks and an average of 30-40 hours per week.
Camp Overview
- 2 weeks will be a day-camp only with excursions to 2 local Phoenix sites on Thursday and Friday
- 2 weeks will be a hybrid camp with the day camp portion at Audubon Arizona on Monday-Wednesday and a 2 day/1 night trip on Thursday and Friday to Mingus Mountain Camp and Retreat Center in Prescott, AZ
- 2 weeks will be a hybrid camp with the day camp portion at Audubon Arizona on Monday-Tuesday and a 3 day/2 night trip on Wednesday-Friday to Mingus Mountain Camp and Retreat Center in Prescott, AZ
Education assistants will attend all overnight camping at Mingus Mountain in Prescott.
- Develop, implement, and deliver creative and engaging nature science and conservation education curriculum appropriate for ages 8-12.
- Assist with program promotion, registration, scheduling, pre-program communication, development of props and materials, and program evaluation.
- Lead groups of up to 17 students, 2 interns, and any adult volunteers in both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Maintain a respectful and collegial team environment with fellow staff and volunteers.
- Help with setup and breakdown of summer camp activities.
- Maintain the safety and well-being of all camp participants.
- Demonstrated experience and desire to work in a conservation education setting including teaching and curriculum development.
- Demonstrated knowledge of educational program design and assessment, knowledge of wildlife conservation issues, and ability to articulate them and inspire participation.
- Attention to detail, excellent time-management and organizational skills, and sound judgment under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems creatively.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- General knowledge of the natural history of the Sonoran desert region, and the ability to pass on that knowledge to members of the public through guided interpretive walks with groups and one-on-one encounters in the nature center.
- Capacity to work easily and effectively with a wide range of people, build relationships, be diplomatic and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the dynamics of a complex organization.
- Interest, understanding and commitment to Audubon Arizona's mission and vision.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to withstand excessive heat for short periods of time.
- CPR/First Aid certification will be provided by Audubon prior to June 11th.