Center Senior Assistant

Audubon

Torrington, CT, 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:

Reporting to the Center Director, the Center Senior Assistant will provide high-quality administrative support to the Sharon Audubon Center and its programs. Specifically, they will provide excellent customer service, staff the Center on weekends, and encourage visitors to connect with the Center’s mission and educational materials. The position is located in Sharon, CT, and will have an 8 hour/week schedule, mainly on Saturdays and Sundays.

About the location and the hours:

The position will be located at the Sharon Audubon Center and will report to the Center Director.
The position is part-time and will work an 8 hour/week schedule, on Saturday and Sunday. Total hours on each day may vary. Some flexibility to include weekday hours may be considered.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Serve as the first point of contact for people visiting the Center, ensure a warm and welcoming experience, answer questions and triage requests as needed.
Serve as the Center’s weekend point of contact for answering or forwarding phone calls and general email.
Staff the Front Desk and the Nature Store on weekends.
With the Volunteer Coordinator, assist in overseeing any Nature Store/Front Desk/Exhibit Room volunteers.
With Wildlife Rehab Clinic weekend volunteers, assist with intake of patients to the Center’s clinic.
Assist as needed with preparing and presenting weekend events and programs.
Clean all common work areas, the Nature Store, the public restrooms, and the main exhibit room each weekend.
Assist with care of live animals in exhibit room as needed.
Ensure that maps, brochures, flyers, and other information for visitors are stocked in the Center and in trail kiosks.
Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent (Associate degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field is a plus) and 1-2 years' experience in a nature center or similar facility. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Ability to represent a national non-profit organization in a professional manner.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and a can-do attitude.
Proven ability to track and move tasks/projects to completion over time.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a small team.
Must be able to lift 20 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Outstanding customer service and ability to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Critical thinking skills and a positive, problem-solving attitude.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
Interest in the environment and conservation, knowledge of local ecology encouraged.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

This position is a union eligible position and is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

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.