About Mass Audubon
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
The Teacher Naturalist II commits the majority of their time to developing and teaching programs in one or more specific audience and/or focus areas, e.g. K12 school, youth programs, climate change education, adult education, etc. in accordance with Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda strategic priorities and Mass Audubon’s education frameworks, goals, standards, and practices. The Teacher Naturalist II assists in the registration, coordination, curriculum development, and marketing of educational programs and events implemented in the region and statewide. The Teacher Naturalist II may supervise seasonal/per diem educators and manage program specific budgets with support from a Lead Education Coordinator and/or Education Manager. Teacher Naturalists serve as a resource on environmental science, climate change, natural history, and general conservation science issues for visitors, members, other staff, and volunteers.

The workload distribution is as follows:

  • 60-70% program coordination, research/development/evaluation, marketing, community engagement and partnership building
  • 30-40% teaching and program delivery

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Education

  • Develop and implement lessons and activities for specific audiences and/or focus areas with demonstrated skills in educational program design and best teaching practices in environmental education
  • Develop and implement lessons and activities for specific audiences and/or focus areas with demonstrated skills and ability to work with diverse groups and implement best practices in community engagement, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive program design
  • Conduct evaluation of programs in accordance with statewide Education Department guidelines and practices
  • Collaborate with peers to annually review program portfolio and make program refinements based on data results
  • Serve as a trusted resource on natural science, conservation science issues including climate change and biodiversity, and Mass Audubon’s legislative priorities for visitors, program participants, other staff, and volunteers
  • Effectively communicate and represent Mass Audubon’s mission, vision, and programs to visitors, members, and community members
  • Maintain educational supplies, curricula, instructional materials, and resources
  • Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, and maintaining strong accountability to Mass Audubon risk management policies, child safe environment guidelines, as well as all pertinent licensing regulations and accreditation standards

Management/Supervision

  • Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and marketing of assigned educational programs
  • Work with members of regional education team to maintain accurate records of programs and program participants
  • Provide work direction for part-time staff or regularly scheduled field teachers or volunteers
  • Supervision includes providing new employee orientation, assigning work, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring
  • Monitor program income and expenses in a budget up to $100,000 and communicate with supervisor regarding variances
  • Participate in planning, writing, and preparation of marketing materials for assigned audiences, including but not limited to site-based informational brochures, and education related publications, including web-based communications

Other

  • Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, audience professional learning communities, and professional development trainings, as required
  • Assist in the administration and implementation of core programs in region during vacation weeks, camp, and special events, and support membership development and fundraising, as needed

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

  • Bachelor’s degree related to environmental education, environmental science, climate change or similar degree
  • Five or more years combined experience in environmental education, science education, and/or science curriculum development and evaluation
  • Work experience in an educational setting (classroom experience or informal learning environment)
  • Knowledge and experience utilizing best practices in positive youth development and asset-based, culturally responsive approach to education
  • Demonstrated ability to promote, embrace, and respect ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity and physical and intellectual disabilities
  • Ability to relate to a diverse range of perspectives and facilitate an inclusive and collaborative team environment
  • Strong project management experience, including budget development and oversight
  • Depending on site specific responsibilities, a driver’s license may be required

Nice to Haves

  • Direct work experience working with teens and young adults focused on climate change action, or related environmental action work
  • Demonstrated commitment to working in partnership with environmental justice and frontline communities to understand local climate impacts and support action on climate change
  • Ability to establish positive Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities related to conservation and biodiversity of urban, suburban, and/or rural areas
  • Proficiency or working knowledge of a second language, in addition to English
  • Experience supporting the development and implementation of grant-funded projects
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, videoconferencing applications, and networking/workshare applications (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft Teams)

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $22.90-$25.67/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full time schedule of 40 hours, Tuesday through Saturday. Some workweeks will be Monday through Friday. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

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.