The National Audubon Society is embarking on an exciting and innovative organizational initiative that provides on-the-job training and learning opportunities to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental and conservation sector. The Fund II Foundation Apprenticeship Program at Audubon is geared for those who are early on in their professional career or currently enrolled in an advanced education in law/graduate school program. Selected individuals will be given the opportunity to serve in professional positions for 12 months that advance Audubon’s mission and contribute to critical work occurring within organizational functions such as science, fundraising/development, marketing, outreach, communications, and finance.
The Fund II Foundation Apprentice will be guided by a dedicated program manager who will work closely with the host department or team to ensure the success of the individual and provide training, collaborative learning opportunities and other career readiness services to lead to the eventual placement of a longer-term job placement in the field.
In this particular apprenticeship, the individual will be working with two Audubon chapters. Local Audubon chapters are financially and legally independent organizations that work closely with National Audubon on environmental and conservation issues, but maintain their own missions, budgets, and boards of directors. This apprentice will split their work time between Atlanta Audubon Society in Georgia and Birmingham Audubon in Alabama.
The Fund II Foundation Apprentice will be an active contributor to both organizations, and will closely collaborate with other chapter staff to execute on short- and longer-team projects related to each chapter’s work.
For Atlanta Audubon, the Fund II Foundation Apprentice will have the opportunity to shadow professionals in the education and conservation areas of work including community programs, Atlanta Urban Ecologists, Project Safe Flight Atlanta, and Wildlife Sanctuary certifications and the Plants for Birds program, habitat restoration, and bird walks. Working with staff on day-to-day operations of the organization with a focus on:
- Developing relationships with local colleges and universities, with a focus on HBCUs; and
- Assisting with member events and activities, fundraising, finance, and communications
For Birmingham Audubon, the Fund II Foundation Apprentice will have the opportunity to shadow professionals in the Chapter’s conservation areas of work including birding and nature programs, and outreach and educational activities. The apprentice will be tasked with a project involving the Alabama Black Belt, a culturally rich and ecologically important rural area in the south-central part of the State. Working closely with staff, the apprentice will:
- Engage in outreach and coordinate with a variety of stakeholders; and
- Develop the Chapter’s bird-tourism package for landowners and business owners.
- A combination of demonstrated experience and education in environmental education, environmental justice, sociology, African American studies, non-profit administration, or natural resources.
- Sound communication and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
- A self-starter, one who takes an appropriate amount of initiative and is interested in continuous learning to develop their skills and career aspirations.
- Experience in community organizing and program development.
- Tech-savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with social media, large databases, online tools or similar technologies a plus.
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally as the job requires. Must have own transportation.
- Genuine interest in conservation, social and environmental justice. An interest in connecting people with birds and other wildlife a plus.
- A willingness and ability to work outdoors, under a variety of conditions, including inclement weather.