Dynamic outdoorists and conservation-minded early career professionals who are seeking a broadly focused experience unlike any other – we want to meet you! Audubon Apprenticeships will provide exposure and hands-on experience across functions in a rapidly transforming organization. You will learn how science, marketing, communications, fundraising, and community engagement work together to achieve conservation impact.
The National Audubon Society will provide on-the-job training and learning opportunities to young people of color who are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental and conservation sector. The Audubon Apprentices program is geared for those who are early on in their professional career or currently enrolled in an advanced education in law/graduate school program. Selected individuals will be given the opportunity to serve in professional positions for 12 months that advance Audubon’s mission and contribute to critical work occurring within organizational functions such as science, fundraising/development, marketing, outreach, communications, and finance.
Apprentices will be partnered with a dedicated program manager who will work closely with the host department team to ensure the Apprentice is able to both learn and have a real impact on Audubon. The manager partner will provide training, identify and facilitate learning opportunities across departments, and other career readiness services to lead to the eventual placement of a longer-term job placement in the field.
Reporting to the Center Director, the Audubon Apprentice will work closely with California program staff and be an active contributor to the Audubon Center at Debs Park team and will closely collaborate with others to execute on short- and longer-team projects related to bird conservation in Southern California. They will begin their Apprenticeship with a collaborative goal and objective-setting exercise that will guide their work, and help ensure that the year meets the personal, learning, and experiential goals of the Apprentice.
Development and Communications (20%)
- Research and report on prospects, in partnership with California development staff
- Attend meetings with Center director and development staff partners
- Support communications and development associate in building Center presence online and via events
Policy & Advocacy (20%)
- Track and support Center director in local issues, such as the Our Parks coalition
- In partnership with chapter network managers and the California policy team, develop and plan Audubon’s annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento
- Recruit participants and accompany them to Advocacy Day, train key groups, support development of materials associated with Advocacy Day; attend meetings with policymakers; and document the day via social media and blog post
Center operations (40%)
- Support and partner with part-time volunteer coordinator to recruit, train, and lead Debs Park volunteers daily, at special events and on community work days
- Contribute as needed to tasks necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the center. This may include trail maintenance, working with vendors, entering bills, etc.
- Assist Center staff in coordinating community events held at the center
- Assist in engagement/outreach events with partners and local community organizations
- Support Center staff in all off-site programing on the LA River pocket parks and California State Parks
Ongoing training (10%)
- Participate in regular webinar trainings on core organizational functions at Audubon, including but not limited to finance, marketing, and development
- Be an advocate for one’s own learning, and request interviews and/or visits with Audubon staff doing work that is of interest to the apprentice’s professional development
Other duties and/or apprentice special project(s) (10%)
- Other duties as assigned that support a broad view of how a national conservation organization functions, how conservation in urban contexts is realized and communicated
- Apprentices are encouraged to work with their direct supervisor and site manager to define and develop a project that furthers the overall goals of the apprenticeship. This is an optional component of the apprenticeship.
- Sound communication and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
- A self-starter, one who takes an appropriate amount of initiative and is interested in continuous learning to develop their skills and career aspirations.
- Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with social media, large databases, online tools or similar technologies a plus.
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally as the job requires.
- Genuine interest in conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.