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.
The center and the surrounding grounds are open year-round and attracts visitors from all over the world. Being a part of the Audubon team means making a difference for conservation. The Site Host position is a part-time, seasonal position assisting with essential end of day and after hours’ functions related to guest safety and facility support and security. Site Hosts support Mitchell Lake Audubon Center by ensuring all visitors have left the property at the close of business hours and securing the gates and parking lot. Training provided as needed.
Site Hosts can expect to work an average of 5-10 hours per scheduled week. This position is based on workcamper/park host positions at state and national parks across the country.
Site Host positions are filled by RV campers and are required to live on-site in their personal RV on one of Audubon’s two RV pads. RV sites are equipped with water, sewer, and electricity hook-ups. Site Hosts share closing responsibilities with staff as needed.
Compensation:
- Open/Close front gate to visitors at appropriate time
- Provide assistance in set-up/clean-up of facility rentals.
- Unlock/Lock Visitor Center at opening/closing.
- Check trails and roads before opening/closing for obstacles due to weather, overgrowth, or visitors.
- Check/restock supplies at pavilion bathroom during opening/closing.
- Check/restock supplies at center bathrooms during opening/closing.
- Communicate supply and maintenance needs to Center Resource Coordinator
- Provide customer service support as assigned.
- Must have an RV, valid driver’s license, and a personal cell phone with service provider.
- Proficiency in Microsoft office required.
- Ability to make sound decisions related to safety and security.
- Must be eager to learn and share knowledge.
- Must be comfortable working with youth and the public.
- Must be self-motivated and able to both follow directions and work independently.
- Must demonstrate ability to be reliable and punctual.
- Ability to drive utility vehicle, ATV, riding mower, tractor, and/or 12-15 passenger van a plus.
- Preferred experience as a park host or work camper in a state or national park setting.
- Preferred experience in general maintenance, working with the public, and/or in customer service roles.
- Bird and plant identification experience (especially as it relates to Texas) a plus, but not required.
- Ability to walk at least 2 miles to conduct trail sweep preferred.
- Ability to lead walking tours and programs while outdoors on and off-trail preferred.
- Experience with active, outdoor work including hiking and observing wildlife in physically strenuous settings, variable weather conditions, in remote locations, and on hazardous terrain preferred.
- First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.
- Multi-lingual preferred (Spanish, English, ASL, etc.)