The Mackenzie Fellowship is a 4 month, outdoor leadership education instructor position based at the Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, AZ. Mackenzie Fellows are assigned primarily to work on the River Pathways outdoor science education and youth leadership program, and provide field experiences in science and conservation to diverse and traditionally underserved students, ages 14-18. Audubon Arizona seeks candidates for its Fall 2019 Mackenzie Fellowship to lead River Pathways high school field trip programs and other conservation and education programs. The River Pathways program engages students outdoors at the Rio Salado Audubon Center, the Agua Fria National Monument, the Tonto National Forest, and the Black Canyon Heritage Park. The program connects participants with nature and introduces students to careers in conservation and resource management.
Mackenzie Fellows assist Audubon staff to implement youth programs by serving as a lead educator during field trips, preparing and maintaining educational and field equipment, and compiling program evaluations. Fellows will also assist with other programs and events at the Rio Salado Audubon Center and with programs in Audubon Arizona’s Nature in Your Neighborhood Suite, including Downtown Owls and Urban Hummingbirds in-class presentations, Conservation Workdays, and K-8 field trips. Fellows will report to the Conservation and Outreach Assistant. All training will be provided. Transportation between the Rio Salado Audubon Center (3131 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ) and field sites will also be provided. Seasonal part-time positions will begin on September 9 and continue through December 13 and will involve approximately 12-25 hours of work per week.
National Audubon Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women.
- Serve as a lead educator during River Pathways high school field trips to the Rio Salado Audubon Center, Audubon Important Bird Areas, and other locations.
- Assist Audubon biologists with outdoor field bird and vegetation surveys. Prepare and maintain field and educational equipment.
- Evaluate program by delivering surveys during field trips and organizing the resulting data.
- Deliver in-class presentations to local schools.
- Assist with Audubon Arizona’s monthly Conservation Workdays.
- Assist with educational programs and events at the Rio Salado Audubon Center.
- An interest and passion in environmental issues, birds, and wildlife. The successful candidate should enjoy active, outdoor work including hiking and observing wildlife.
- Desire to develop competency in leadership skills required.
- Must be able to lead walking tours and programs while outdoors on and off-trail.
- Prior experience with active, outdoor work including hiking and observing wildlife in physically strenuous settings, variable weather conditions, in remote locations, and on hazardous terrain.
- Must be eager to learn about birds and natural history of Arizona and share knowledge with young people.
- Prior experience as a youth counselor, volunteering with a youth program or teaching, guiding and working with youth is preferred.
- Must have exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
- Must be comfortable working with youth and the public.
- Must be self-motivated and able to both follow directions and work independently and as part of a team.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, a safe driving record and be able to have reliable transportation to/from the Audubon Center (3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85040).
- Must be able to commit for the entire length of the fellowship.
- Must demonstrate ability to be reliable and punctual.
- Should have a desire to mentor youth and enjoy the opportunity to ignite interest in considering careers in resource management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current college or university students majoring in natural sciences, biology, education, environmental education, conservation biology or a related field are preferred.
- Experience teaching and working with children is preferred.
- First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.