Seasonal Educator, Sanctuary Adventures

Audubon

Oyster Bay, NY, United States

13 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:

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (TRSAC) in Oyster Bay, NY hosts an 7-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, marshes, and seashores, participants experience the wonders and diversity of nature on Long Island and gain a greater understanding of and respect for the natural world. 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 5-17.

Essential Functions:

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 7 weeks of nature, science and conservation-based curriculum for assigned age group centered on weekly themes. Attend mandatory staff training the week prior to program start date.
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, sanitizing and maintaining of assigned areas and other sanctuary property.
Develop positive relationships with TRSAC staff, volunteers, visitors, and parents/guardians, 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.

Qualifications and Experience:

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.
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.
Lifeguard certification is a plus.
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.
Interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
Requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

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.