The Mackenzie Fellowship is a 6 month, full-time outdoor leadership education instructor position based at the Trinity River Audubon Center and reporting to the Manager of Academic Programs and Conservation TREKs. Audubon Conservation TREKs (ACT) is an outdoor education and leadership program designed to provide intense conservation field experiences to diverse and traditionally underserved students, ages 14-18. These memorable outdoor experiences focus on interpersonal growth opportunities environmental science competency and leadership skills. ACT programs are week long camping expeditions that expose students to the incredible natural ecosystems and environments across Texas.
This position will contribute to program logistics and provide support to the Manager in all aspects relating to the Program. This positon will be responsible for leading youth based programs during 5-day & 4-night camping excursions. This position must be available to do 5 or more trips during the summer months, and 2 trips during the spring. Trips are generally scheduled during school vacation weeks. This position is considered a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt employee. Former participants in Conservation TREKs or similar outdoor leadership program are strongly encouraged to apply.
Audubon Texas is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women.
- Serve as a front-line educator during Audubon Conservation TREKs
- Camp alongside students in a supervisory capacity.
- Supervise chaperones and other adult volunteers.
- Prepare and maintain camping, educational, and field equipment.
- Assist in program evaluation by delivering and collecting surveys and reflection pieces during camping trips.
- Deliver on-trail lessons to youth relating to a variety of environmental topics like soil, geology, ornithology and erosion and connected to Audubon’s core conservation strategies.
- Assist with/lead various conservation action projects with youth; river clean up, trash pick-up, pollinator garden preparation, tree planting, and invasive species removal.
- Assist with purchasing of food and other items for programs, in line with Audubon’s purchasing policies.
- Assist Manager with logistics of trips across the state of Texas, coordinating with other center staff in Cedar Hill and San Antonio, and partners in Brownsville.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Ability to drive 15-passenger van for 4 - 8 hours at a time (with breaks).
- Ability to haul and maneuver a kayak or covered trailer.
- Experience teaching, guiding and working with youth is preferred.
- First Aid and CPR certification is preferred; training can be provided within the DFW Metroplex.
- Should have experience with active, outdoor work including camping, hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing and observing wildlife.
- Must be able to lead hiking/interpretive tours and programs while outdoors on and off-trail.
- Must have exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
- Must be self-motivated and able to both work in a team and independently
- Must be able to commit for the entire length of the fellowship.
- Must demonstrate ability to be reliable and punctual.