AmeriCorps Urban Conservation Educator

Position Title: AmeriCorps Urban Conservation Educator

Reports to: Conservation Manager and Education Manager

Stipend: $3352.38/month (before taxes) paid bi-monthly paid by Washington Service Corps

Education Award: $6895 at the end of service

Organization Summary:

Seattle Audubon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive. Seattle Audubon supports policies that protect habitat, reduce urban hazards to birds, and that contribute to more equitable and just cities. We run several long-term community science projects that inform our work and provide hands-on opportunities for students, adults, and families to learn about and enjoy birds and nature.

Position Summary:

The Urban Conservation Educator (UCE) will provide essential support to Seattle Audubon’s education and conservation teams. The UCE will help coordinate and conduct community science initiatives, lead youth programs, and assist with environmental and conservation education content development and delivery for audiences of all ages.

The UCE will gain skills in environmental education, volunteer training and management, conservation communication, event coordination, community science initiatives, and general experience with non-profit operations and functions.

Specific Responsibilities:

The UCE will help coordinate and conduct at least two of Seattle Audubon’s community science programs: Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring (SBCM) project and Climate Watch. The UCE will help train program volunteers and over time, we expect the UCE will take on most of the logistical coordination duties of SBCM. While an understanding of scientific principles will be helpful, a background in science is not necessary to be successful in this role.

The UCE will work with the Urban Conservation Manager to implement Seattle Audubon’s Bird-safe Cities strategies, which may include providing trainings and developing print/web resources to help individuals reduce urban hazards to birds.

The UCE will lead Seattle Audubon’s teen program, Young Birders, which brings together teens who have an interest in birds and nature in an out-of-school setting.  Duties for this program include: recruiting new members, organizing meetings and guest speakers, planning field trips, community science activities, and conservation outings around Seattle and farther afield, engaging adult volunteers to serve as the “bird experts” and chaperones, and creating a welcoming, safe atmosphere for teens and their families. 

The UCE will also support Fledglings and Friends, Seattle Audubon’s program for preschoolers, summer Nature Camp for kids entering grades 1-9, and school and community presentations focused on Seattle Audubon’s Bird-Safe Cities initiatives. This will include planning and preparing for activities, traveling to sites around our community, and presenting content in a welcoming, relevant, and inclusive manner.

The UCE will assist outreach staff with the planning and implementation of community gatherings, participation in partner events, and various communication tasks. (Writing blog posts, some social media work, etc.)

Preferred qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for Seattle Audubon’s vision, mission, and values
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all work and professional relationships are rooted in principles of equity and justice
• Prior experience in education, environmental science, community outreach, or other related field
• Experience teaching in a formal or informal education setting
• Excellent listening, verbal, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with various social media platforms
• Careful and compassionate communication and volunteer support skills
• Adept at managing a generous load of emails
• Ability to manipulate Excel spreadsheets, and record and enter data accurately
• Experience interacting with diverse audiences of all ages
• Comfortable and confident managing groups of children, teens, and adults
• Ability to manage multiple details and logistics prior to, during, and after events
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends (we gladly work with members to create balanced schedules)
• Access to reliable transportation, including public transit and/or bicycle

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Though AmeriCorps Service Members are not technically employed by Seattle Audubon, we apply the same selection standards. I[GU1] t is the policy of Seattle Audubon to administer advertising, selection, employment, compensation, promotion, training, layoff, recall, and benefits at all levels without regard to race, sex, gender identity, color, creed, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical abilities, protected veteran status, mental or sensory disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Seattle Audubon strictly prohibits any sexual, racial or other forms of discrimination prohibited by law.

How to apply:

Qualified applicants should apply through the Corporation for National and Community Service portal.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain posted until filled. No phone calls please.