Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is located 16 miles south of downtown Dallas in Cedar Hill, TX. Dogwood Canyon is part of the White Rock Escarpment. Audubon owns or manages more than 200 acres of nearly pristine wildlife habitat in the Canyon. Because the property neighbors school, county, and state lands, it is part of a nearly 3,000-acre greenbelt in southwest Dallas County. There are 2 miles of trails winding up the Canyon (the West Loop Trail) and a ½ mile Canyon Floor Trail. The Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is open to the public and provides science education to nearly 8,000 school students on an annual basis from the surrounding DFW Metroplex.
The Part-Time Educator works with the Director of Education to prepare and present high quality environmental education programs at the center. Additionally, the Part-Time Educator will aid in pre and post evaluation, program development, teaching, marketing and program preparations. This position may also require assisting with education and/or outreach programming at the Trinity River Audubon Center, located in Dallas.
During the course of the position, the educator will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Education, engagement, and stewardship opportunities that intentionally guide participants to contribute to conservation outcomes of National Audubon Society’s strategic plan.
- Help Audubon staff to develop environmental education curriculum including prior and post materials that correlate with academic curriculum standards.
- Engage more than 7,000 students in on-site environmental education programming.
- Help monitor effectiveness of environmental education programming.
- Assist in facilitating off-site educational programming.
- Lead Girl Scout badge programming.
- Maintain accurate records of program participation.
- Assist with special events at the Center.
- Market programs and events to schools and the general public.
- Assist with animal care and office duties as needed.
The Part-Time Educator will be supervised by the Director of Education. The position is part time with a maximum of 27 hours per week on an as-needed basis. Number of hours will vary depending on the season. The position is expected to begin in the new year and remain on-going based on the centers needs. No housing is provided.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills required.
- Proficient writing and speaking skills in English (Spanish proficiency a plus).
- A self- starter, one with a positive and enthusiastic approach to all tasks.
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the Audubon mission of connecting people and communities to nature and the outdoors.
- Excellent organization skills a must.
- Demonstrates environmental stewardship actions.
- Willingness to work cooperatively as part of a staff team.
- Collaborates well with coworkers, students (children of all ages), and the public including teachers, parents, and volunteers.
- Experience instructing outdoor education programming preferred.
- Knowledge of curriculum development including evaluation processes preferred.
- Knowledge of how to use a computer, MS Office applications (Word, Excel), and social media platforms.
- Able to drive a car, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Be able to carry at least 30 pounds and enjoy outdoor work.
- First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
- Must be a creative, knowledgeable, and hardworking person dedicated to education and the environment.
- Position may involve moderate hiking, wading in water, handling live animals, equipment maintenance, digging, planting, transporting equipment, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Must be flexible and willing to assist with education programs at Trinity River Audubon Center, when needed.