Position Summary

Audubon’s New York City Youth Education programs focus on increasing people's knowledge and awareness about birds, other wildlife, and the natural world; guides them to change their behaviors and attitudes to be more active participants in our conservation work saving birds and protecting habitat; and teaches new problem-solving skills needed to make informed decisions and take responsible action.


Serving 2,000+ New York City youth and community members with a focus on public schools and unique community sites across all five boroughs, our education program works to increase access to environmental education in NYC for BIPOC and under resourced communities and instill a culture of lifelong environmental stewardship and community engagement. Audubon aims to get youth excited about birds and the places they need to survive and encourage a sense of ecological place in one’s own community. We hope to empower community members to take an active interest in protecting their local environment for birds and people.


Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025


Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Independently teach Audubon’s For the Birds! (FTB!) and LARK curriculum at NYC public schools and other unique program sites; coordinate and lead school field trips & garden projects in NYC Parks.
  • Create bird conservation focused education materials for classrooms that include clear learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of program metrics and communications for quarterly program reports.
  • Represent Audubon at local and regional events tabling and outreach events
  • Participate in various Audubon New York meetings, trainings, and programs throughout the year.
  • Other duties assigned by Program Manager.


Goal 1: Independently teach For the Birds! and LARK curriculum at elementary, middle, and high schools and other program sites; assist with field trips, habitat projects and other outdoor activities.


Goal 2: Create at least two new bird conservation focused lessons that include clear learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship; field test new lessons.


Goal 3: Confidently I.D. local birds of NYC; independently lead basic bird I.D. walks in NYC Parks.


Marginal Duties


Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental education, environmental science, formal education, Environmental Interpretation, Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, or related field.
  • Minimum of 1-years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education; experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred. Proven experience working with and/or managing volunteers and/or interns also required.
  • Hands-on experience working in an educational setting with students of different ages and/or educators, and experience facilitating training in groups.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.
  • Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites.
  • Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated organizational and time-management skills are a must.
  • Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team including the ability to work with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, to think critically, to identify problems and take appropriate action, and to maintain organization in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to make decisions requiring good judgment and complete knowledge of subject matter, including task sequencing and office administration procedures.
  • Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as required. Some programs and outreach events will require working outside of core (9-5pm) work hours.
  • Must be able to walk major pathways and trails of regional natural areas with students, including on uneven terrain.
  • Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society; Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
  • Must be comfortable using all forms of NYC public transportation; ability to travel within and outside NYC.


Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 1-years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education;

Experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred.

SCA Member will be provided with training in classroom management, lesson planning, bird I.D. and basic bird biology. Ecology, environmental or conservation knowledge.

Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.

Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites.


Hours

40 per week


Living Accommodations

$1,100/month housing allowance


Compensation

$400/week Living Allowance



Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.


Personal Vehicle Information

Required


Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

LNT Level 1 Certification

Mental Health First Aid

$100 Professional Development Stipend

Environmental Leadership Institute

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required


Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.


Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.