Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (TRSAC) in Oyster Bay, NY hosts an 8-week summer environmental education program. Participants enjoy a variety of activities including meeting resident captive wildlife, conducting ecological studies, hiking on Sanctuary property, exploring a variety of habitats and playing nature games. With access to forests, meadows, marshes, seashores, and grasslands, participants experience the wonders and diversity of nature on Long Island and gain a greater understanding of and respect for the natural world. Kayaking and overnight camping trips are also offered to some age groups. TRSAC provides experienced and aspiring teachers and environmental educators with an opportunity to work in an outdoor setting as part of a dynamic education team. The Seasonal Educator will work 35 hours per week with assigned age groups ranging from 4-17.
- Ensure the Sanctuary Adventures Program functions smoothly and professionally, and that all program participants have a safe, enjoyable experience.
- Foster care of and respect for the natural world and others through positive behavior and actions.
- Create, prepare and deliver 8 weeks of nature, science and conservation-based curriculum for assigned age group centered on weekly themes.
- Create a meaningful experience for summer program participants while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
- Responsible for the health and safety of all participants, as well as the cleaning and maintaining of assigned areas and other sanctuary property.
- Develop positive relationships with TRSAC staff, volunteers, visitors, parents, members of the community and youth participants.
- Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Education Manager to further the mission of TRSAC and Audubon.
- Experience teaching in schools, nature camps, nature centers, science museums, zoos, or other programs emphasizing science or nature education. Experience in summer camps preferred.
- Skilled in creating a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere to awaken children’s curiosity for and enjoyment of nature.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups of children, as well as success in the management of youth activities.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills, and computer literacy.
- Ability to travel on field trips, including some overnight outings.
- Positive role model for participants and other staff members: flexible, independent, responsible and enthusiastic.
- Valid driver’s license is REQUIRED.
- Basic First Aid & CPR certification (or become certified prior to start date) is REQUIRED. * Audubon will incur costs to provide certification if necessary.
- Lifeguard certification is a plus.
- Must be able to commit to the full eight weeks June 24, 2019 -August 30, 2019, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Mandatory paid staff training to be held from June 24th-June 28th 2019.
- Willingness to work outdoors in any weather as necessary, get dirty, have fun, and have a genuine interest in connecting children with nature.
- Experience kayaking or canoeing, music, performance, arts and crafts or related fields, a plus.
- Knowledge of Long Island natural history, a plus.
- Interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.