Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is an education center and farm located in Dayton, Ohio. Our 200-acre sanctuary includes six miles of walking trails winding through prairie, woods, ponds, sustainable farmland and meadows and provides outstanding learning opportunities in a diverse and beautiful setting. Aullwood delivers activities that increase understanding and preservation of the planet by children and adults through education, research and recreation.
The Environmental Educator organizes, develops and leads strategically-selected hands-on education activities focusing on agriculture to increase understanding and preservation of the natural world, agriculture and environmental issues. S/he is responsible for planning, developing and presenting quality programming that is aligned with Audubon and Aullwood’s strategic plans. S/He is also responsible for interacting, engaging and maintaining positive relationships with the general public, Audubon members, teachers, board members, other conservation groups and government officials.
This is a part-time regular position (21 hours a week) with the Environmental Educator working 3-8 hours a day, Tuesday – Friday and some weekends.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Develop, implement and lead on- and off-site farming and natural history education programs for including but not limited to weekly/monthly walks, ecotourism, scout groups, Summer Earth Adventures, community groups and teacher conferences.
- Co-chair coordination of Farm Babies Fest and Apple Fest, communicating with vendors, staff and volunteers, scheduling, securing entertainment, budgeting, planning and organizing.
- Be the liaison for Aullwood’s Wild Wolves 4-H Club, sending in paperwork, ordering project books, preparing and running monthly meetings.
- Provide educational support, teaching program offerings for field trips at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. This includes promoting, scheduling, curriculum design, teaching and creating pre- and post- visit materials.
- Coordinate the Candle Dipping program (end of October – January), setting up, tearing down equipment, purchasing needed supplies and working with volunteers to prepare tapers.
- Schedule the Maple Syrup programs (January – March), setting up the boiling schedule, ordering supplies, preparing the Sugarhouse, collecting sap and boiling.
- Work with education staff to develop and deliver volunteer educator training sessions.
- Ensure maintenance of the farm classroom areas, including set-up and clean-up of materials for school and community programs and other regular activities, changing display items, organizing closets and purchasing needed supplies.
- Help with farm chores and gardening as needed.
- Play an active role in staff meetings, understanding the key operations and events in the forthcoming schedule.
- Represent Aullwood at Audubon organizational, chapter meetings, local service organizations, businesses, government agencies and with the general public as needed. Maintain close contact with other environmental organizations in the state, including the attendance at meetings, seminars, conferences and field events.
- Assist in preparation of newsletters, publications, grants and evaluations.
- Plan, coordinate, supervise and help with special events as assigned.
- Interact and engage the general public in Audubon and Aullwood’s mission; field natural history and agricultural questions, discuss environmental issues as appropriate.
- Assist with other duties as related to the Farm including but not limited to answering phones, assisting at the Farm front desk, greeting visitors, etc.
- Other duties as assigned by the Education Manager or Executive Director.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Sciences or Education fields and a minimum of three years teaching environmental, agricultural education. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Skills/Experience:
- Ability to operate a variety of equipment (tractor, gator, truck, etc.) in a safe and efficient manner, demonstrating best practices at all times.
- Ability and understanding of the care of farm animals.
- Ability to identify Ohio birds by sight and sound along with strong skills identifying trees, plants, insects, reptiles, and macroinvertebrates.
- Ability to creatively teach, inspire and lead to action in an active and physical environment.
- Demonstrated comfort and skill in telephone interaction, personal visits and group presentations.
- Comfortable with working in a fast-paced, collegial, team-oriented environment.
- 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 and Aullwood’s mission and vision.
- Excellent knowledge of the natural history of the Miami Valley and Ohio region and the ability to pass on that knowledge to members of the public through guided interpretive walks with groups and individual encounters at the Nature Center and Farm.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Attention to detail, excellent time-management and organizational skills, sound judgment under pressure.
- Knowledge and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
- Ability to lead tours and programs on a trail system with or without accommodation.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and other web-based applications.
- Willingness to work long, flexible hours when needed, including some weekends, evenings and holidays.
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed, specifically within the community to teach programs as needed.
- Ability to work outdoors, year round in all weather conditions and terrains and the ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.) with or without accommodation.
- First Aid and CPR certification required (training available if not current).
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
May 8 2018
Active Until:
Jun 8 2018
Hiring Organization:
National Audubon Society
industry:
Nonprofit