Field Teacher

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 140,000 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 www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

Work with the education team to prepare and teach environmental education programs for schools, families, and the public both on and off sanctuary. Primary programs during the school year include sanctuary field trips, in-school programs, afterschool, and vacation week programs. During the summer field teachers will facilitate public and group programs as well as support summer camp as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work as part of the South East education team to plan, and teach engaging, inquiry-based, age-appropriate environmental education programs for K-12 students and the general public.
• Prepare and lead school field trip programs at Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Lead in-school or afterschool schools for school districts throughout the South East region.
• Lead public and outreach programs for other patrons, families, and other audiences.
• Engage participants in hands-on learning that develop STEAM 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.
• Maintain educational supplies, curricula, materials, and resources.
• On a limited basis, train on working with small animal ambassadors (I.e., turtles) for school presentations. 

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: 

Experience teaching and working with children in outdoor, school or camp settings.
Bachelor’s degree in education, biological or earth science, environmental studies, or equivalent and relevant work experience; or a combination of education and experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in office software applications.
Outstanding teaching and interpretive skills and experience and comfort with instructional technologies.
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.
First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed).

Compensation & Benefits

Pay rate is $16.60 -$17.50/hour. Actual pay rate will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.  

This is a year-round position and earns vacation time as well as receives paid holidays. 

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 

This is a part-time, year round position scheduled for 18 hours per week.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

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.

How to apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Chris Hitchener, Education Coordinator
southeast@massaudubon.org