Field Teacher/Environmental Educator
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Work with education team to prepare and teach environmental education programs for schools, families and adults both on and off site, based out of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Primary programs during the school year include sanctuary field trips, in-school programs, homeschool, afterschool, and vacation week programs. May lead adult and family public or outreach programs, as needed. The majority of work would be during the school year, with the bulk of these hours focused on spring school field trips, afterschool programs, and vacation week programs.
Application Instructions
Please include a resume, letter of interest, and contact info for three references with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of the Western MA education team to plan, and teach engaging, inquiry-based, age-appropriate environmental education programs for K-12 students and other audiences
- Prepare and lead school field trip programs at Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Lead in-school or afterschool schools for school districts in the Berkshires
- Engage participants in hands-on, minds-on learning through activity stations and guided inquiry that develops science skills and ecology and conservation knowledge
- Work with classroom teachers, as needed, to design programs to meet learning goals for elementary, middle, or high school earth and life science and environmental education
- Substitute when needed for nature preschool or homeschool programs at sanctuaries
- Prepare and teach outdoor learning programs at sanctuaries during school vacation weeks
- Lead public and outreach programs for other adults, families, and other audiences
- Maintain educational supplies, curricula, materials, and resources
- Maintain the safely of all participants and staff as a priority
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
- Education and/or training in life, earth, or environmental sciences, environmental education, nature interpretation, K-12 education, or equivalent
- Experience leading environmental education programs for children or any equivalent combination of education and related experience
- Ability to exercise cultural competence and best practices in inclusion
Nice to Haves
- Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
- Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching or other equity-based pedagogy
- Experience delivering urban environmental education programming or equivalent
- First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed)
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This is a part-time, per diem, hourly, non-benefited position. This position’s pay range is $17.37-$20.00/hour. Total teaching and planning hours vary depending upon season and number of opportunities that arise; actual pay rate will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Work Schedule
This is a part-time, per diem position with no regularly scheduled hours.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.