Seasonal Educator

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 towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

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 brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (TRSAC) in Oyster Bay, NY hosts an 8-week summer environmental education program. The program will run from July 8th-August 29th. Participants enjoy a variety of activities including meeting resident 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 30 hours per week Monday-Thursday with assigned age groups ranging from 5-17. This role is on-site based out of our Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (TRSAC) in Oyster Bay, NY.

Compensation:

$16.00 - $18.00 / hour

• 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, arts and games centered on weekly themes. Attend mandatory staff training the week prior to program start date.
• Must be able to attend staff training July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th.
• Responsible for the health and safety of all participants, as well as the cleaning, sanitizing, organizing supplies 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.
• Responsible for supervising a group of campers between the ages of 5-12.
• Comfortable with working 100% outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• 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.
• Positive role model for participants and other staff members: flexible, independent, responsible and enthusiastic.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing 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.
• The ability to lift up to 25 pounds.