Program Specialist

The Program Specialist supports education programs in Springfield and surrounding communities. Primary programs include summer and vacation week camp programs, in-school and afterschool education programs, and field trips in and around Springfield. The Program Specialist’s roles include administrative support such as communication with schools, parents/families, monitoring enrollment, health forms, attendance and evaluation, transporting program materials and supplies, and teaching for all programs, as needed. This position may lead or assist public and outreach programs in Springfield or substitute at other Mass Audubon sites, as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support and assistance for programs including summer and vacation week camp programs, in-school and afterschool environmental education programs, and field trips in and around Springfield.
• Work as part of the Mass Audubon education team to support engaging, inquiry-based, age-appropriate environmental education programs for youth, K-12 students, and other audiences.
• Communicate with schools and parents/caregivers to support program promotion and enrollment.
• Monitor program enrollment, health forms, attendance, and evaluation, using print and digital tools.
• Transport program materials and supplies (e.g. meals, program equipment) between program locations.
• Work with other team members to design earth and life science and environmental education programs, as needed.
• Prepare and teach camp, in-school, or afterschool environmental education programs, as needed.
• Prepare and teach field trip programs at Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries and other sites, as needed.
• Assist and/or lead public and outreach programs or special events for youth, families, adults, and other audiences, as needed.
• Maintain education program records, equipment, supplies, materials, and resources.
• Maintain the safety 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: 

• Bilingual with spoken and written fluency in Spanish and English.
• Ability to exercise cultural competence and best practices in inclusion.
• Requires successful completion of CORI and SORI background checks.
• First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed).

Nice to Haves:

• Experience assisting or leading environmental education programs for children or any equivalent combination of education and related experience, particularly in urban settings.
• Education and/or training in life, earth, or environmental sciences, environmental education, nature interpretation, K-12 education, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education.
• Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching or other equity-based pedagogy.

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 

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

How To Apply

Please send 1) letter of interest; 2) resume; and 3) contact info for three references to: 
Dale Abrams (Regional Education Manager)
westsanctuaries@massaudubon.org