Seasonal Communication & Education Assistant

Audubon

Damariscotta, ME, United States

30+ days ago

Overview:

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary:

The Communication & Education Assistant represents the Seabird Institute (SI) to the public on all social media and explore.org chat boards, and as a greeter and interpreter at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine. The Outreach Communication & Education Assistant will bring the story of SI’s 50-year history to children, adults, and families, and help people to understand the necessity for this applied conservation work, as well as to inspire them to become personally involved in conservation action as donors and community activists. They will also be responsible for interpreting wildlife events on the Audubon explore.org wildlife cameras to a larger audience.

Shared housing provided (private room with a shared bathroom), at Audubon's Todd Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 12 Audubon Road, in Bremen, Maine. Remote work for the first month may be considered.

This position includes managing all of the Seabird Institute’s explore.org camera chat boards, live events and social media. Also includes working at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine and assisting as needed at our Research Base operations.

Start Dates:
Mid-April (flexible)

End Dates:
Late August (flexible)

All room & board which includes lodging and meals are provided for the season in staff housing (private bedroom and a shared bathroom). $15/hour with a 40 hour work week.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Train with Education staff to learn: Audubon and early SI history; how to identify Gulf of Maine seabirds; natural history of the Maine Coast with the goal of working independently as an educator;
Connect with Seal Island research staff to further outreach on the explore.org cameras; participate in a week-long training on a seabird island to get on-the-ground experience and see where our explore.org cameras are operating. During this time, position will assist with field work including, but not limited to, bird counts and weather data collection, 3-hr observation stints from small unheated blinds, bird handling, measuring, banding, data entry and assisting with habitat management projects at an assigned island research site as specified by the Island Supervisor;**
Serve as the point person and moderator for operating remote explore.org wildlife cam channels which includes posting island/seabird updates, responding to comments, running live events, keeping regular weekly office hours, and hosting educational opportunities;
Work with explore.org staff to facilitate live events, naming contests, hatching dates, etc.
Create education content for the wildlife cams and moderate any problems that may arise on the independent chat boards.
Problem solving and adept social skills to handle difficult situations online.
Write social media posts and support weekly Seabird Island News publication.
Train with the Project Puffin Visitor Center Manager to learn: operation of point-of-sale system; Visitor Center interpreter and inventory management procedures;
Maintain inventory and sell books and seabird-related items at Project Puffin Visitor Center;
Promote SI’s mission, and encourage PPVC visitors to financially support the Program;
Participate as needed at Hog Island Audubon Camp including processing sales on Hog Island store, helping with inventory, etc.;
Assist mainland staff with logistics, which includes driving to boat docks, bus and limo stops as needed;
Assist mainland-based staff with procurement of supplies, packing groceries, research supplies and mail in waterproof island transport bags; cleaning and filling water jugs for resupplying research stations, etc.;
Ensure shared housing facility is properly and consistently maintained and cleaned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Must have obtained or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, natural sciences or education and/or have relevant work experience.
Previous experience in communications and environmental education is preferred.
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications. Must have ability to operate or learn Slack for communications with staff.
Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly.
Familiarity with technology such as social media, websites, running live events on a cell phone or computer, etc.
Must be able to climb over rugged terrain and lift approximately 30 lbs.
Familiarity with birding optics, point-of-sale register system, and camping equipment is a plus.
Must possess a valid driver's license. Must have a personal vehicle for work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Information:

2-person sized personal tents will be used for housing on the seabird islands. If you don’t have a tent and supplies, we can provide one for your short training time.
Wood platforms for tents on seabird islands will be provided. Drinking water, food and propane for cooking are brought via boat and carried by hand to the field camps.

EEO Statement:

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement:

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy:

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.