Audubon South Carolina’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. For more than 40 years, Audubon South Carolina has achieved this mission through land protection and restoration, education, outreach, and advocacy.
In South Carolina, Audubon owns and operates two centers and sanctuaries, the largest of which is at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest in Harleyville. At this location, Audubon protects and manages nearly 17,000 acres of land in the Four Holes Swamp watershed. The crown jewel of this sanctuary is the 1,800 acres of virgin, cypress-tupelo swamp, the largest habitat of its kind left in the world.
While functioning primarily as a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife, Beidler Forest is also a hub for education. At its visitor center, a 1.75-mile ADA-compliant boardwalk takes visitors on self-guided tours of the swamp. Many guided tours are also available, including bird walks, night walks, and canoe tours. Youth programs occur throughout the year, capped off by three weeks of day camp each summer.
This educator will primarily be responsible for being an interpretive guide for K-12 youth groups and adult groups visiting the center in September, October and November. Other educational programming, as well as helping staff the visitor center and routine building maintenance, will be also be required. This position will be supervised by the Education Manager at the center and will run September 1 through November 30th.
- Serve as an interpretive guide for the nature center
- Lead tours of the swamp for K-12 school kids, scout groups, adult groups, and more
- Lead a series of hands-on activities for a variety of different youth groups
- Lead canoe trips as needed and as water level allows
- Develop, prepare, and lead new programming for specific groups and the general public (adults and youth)
- Lead in-school programs and give presentations as needed
- Recruit increased school program visitation by promoting the Beidler Education program to area school teachers and administrators
- Keep a journal and regularly write blog updates for website
- Help with maintenance of buildings and grounds, as needed
- Possible occasional assistance with Sanctuary land management activities as needed
- Experience working with children and adults in an educational setting (experience in environmental education preferable)
- Must enjoy working with others and children of all ages in an outdoor setting
- Demonstrated ability to teach in an active and physical environment
- Knowledge and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife and habitats
- Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills with a professional, friendly manner
- A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and in a team-based environment
- Flexibility regarding work schedule is a must
- Demonstrated experience with project management and problem solving
- Prior experience kayaking/canoeing preferred
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to get along with people of diverse backgrounds
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint required
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are required for travel to and from work