Youth Programs Coordinator

About Montana Audubon Center:

The Montana Audubon Center lies in the heart of the 72,000 square mile Yellowstone River Basin and within minutes of the urban center of Billings. A partnership between the Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA), Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society (YVAS) and Montana Audubon has made the center possible. Initially launched in 1998, an all-volunteer effort has planted more than 65,000 trees and shrubs for habitat restoration, engaged dozens of schools and local businesses, and built community support for a year-round center. Today, Montana Audubon and its partners are prepared to build on this foundation and establish the Center as a regional hub for placed-based education, conservation/environmental research and monitoring, citizen science, and Yellowstone River Basin natural history. 

Position Description: 

The Youth Programs Coordinator will work with the Program Manager to implement environmental education activities and assist with development aimed at raising awareness and promoting environmental stewardship within our youth programs. They share responsibility with Teacher Naturalists in implementation of hands-on, experiential, nature-connected education and interpretive programs at our 54-acre site and adjacent Yellowstone River Corridor. Participant ages range from toddler to adult, with the bulk of our programming concentrated on elementary students. The Coordinator must be comfortable leading groups of students in the outdoors and themselves have enthusiasm for connecting with, learning about, and protecting the natural world. 

The Coordinator will be responsible for delivering and assisting with overseeing a variety of programs. Montana Audubon’s Naturalist in the Schools  (ANTS) program is our flagship program that engages elementary students in the Billings area. ANTS curriculum integrates school standards and Indian Education For All content into our hands-on immersive learning style. They will also be responsible for teaching our Leadership Institute for Nature, Kids, and Stewardship (LINKS), afterschool, homeschool, and occasionally weekend programs. While leading programs they are responsible for engaging and building curiosity for participants in their exploration, familiarization, and personal growth within our outdoor classroom. Frequent communication with teachers, communicators, and management staff is also essential as is collaboratively working and learning with other teachers. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the planning, developing, and implementing environmental education programs and activities for various audiences.
• Coordinate day-to-day logistics for field trips, and other educational activities, including space use, venue arrangements, and equipment setup.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with program participants, families, and school. 
• Support the recruitment, training, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
• Work with the Program Manager to collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness, track participant engagement, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide a safe and positive environment for all program participants and staff, including awareness of physical abilities, environmental hazards, and group dynamics.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Actively lead and assist with programs within and outside of the scope of the position. 
• Attend Montana Audubon Center meetings regularly.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree or relevant coursework in environmental sciences, education, natural resource management, or a related field. 
• Previous experience working in environmental education, interpretation, outreach, or related fields is preferred. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Passion for environmental conservation and a desire to inspire others to learn about and protect the natural world.
• Flexibility to work evenings, and weekends, and occasionally travel as needed for program activities and events.
• Ability to stand, walk, and engage participants in outdoor programming in a variety of weather conditions for an extended amount of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references in a single PDF document to chase@mtaudubon.org with the subject line “Youth Programs Coordinator”. For questions, contact Chase McCafferty via email or call 406-294-5099.

Montana Audubon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran.