This position is a SEASONAL educator role and will work directly with the Education Manager to prepare, develop and present high-quality conservation based education programs to groups of children and adults. Classes range from K-12, with a focus on 3rd through 5th. Additionally, the seasonal educator will develop and implement informal public programming throughout the season, and assist in the daily operations of the Nature Center and land stewardship, as needed. Work will primarily take place at one of the four Hudson Valley Audubon sites, including Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Ramshorn-Livingston Sanctuary, Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Education Manager, Audubon's SEASONAL Educator will be responsible for:
- Assisting in and working closely with other education staff to develop and execute conservation-based school and community education programs.
- Ensuring that all programs function smoothly and professionally, and that all program participants have a safe, enjoyable experience.
- Work with the education manager in revising lesson plans and curriculum.
- Prepare lesson plans/curriculum, program set-up and clean-up, and program evaluation.
- Maintain inventory, condition and organization of educational materials, supplies and equipment.
- Staff the Nature Center, interact with the public to provide information about Audubon and Audubon’s mission, and answer questions for visitors.
- Assisting with daily operations and light maintenance of center properties, including general housekeeping.
- Participating in other conservation efforts, scientific research and habitat restoration work. This includes: collecting and identifying invertebrates in the field, eel monitoring, invasive species control, plant surveys, and marsh bird surveys.
- Serve as a role model naturalist and environmental steward, and be a positive ambassador of Audubon.
- Perform other duties deemed necessary by the Education Manager to further the mission of Audubon.
- Prior teaching experience is preferred, including teaching in schools, nature camps, nature centers, science museums, zoos, or other programs emphasizing science or nature education.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills with adults & children a must.
- Canoeing experience a plus.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented with the ability to work well as part of the team.
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
- Ability to be flexible.
- Valid driver’s license and own vehicle is required.
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Knowledge of how to use a computer, MS Office applications (Word, Excel), and social media platforms.
- Must be able to commit to the full 22 weeks, starting in April 8th, 2019. Weekend and holiday work is a must.
- 35 hour work week, Daily schedule varies, but most days are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Hours outside of those times will be required with certain programs and field based projects.
- On-site housing is available, if needed.