Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary
One of two Maryland educational centers of the National Audubon Society, Patterson Park Audubon Center is located in urban southeast Baltimore and based out of an office in a rehabilitated row home, across the street from Patterson Park. Popular programs at the Center work to engage participants in conservation education and outcomes, through academic environmental education, community engagement, and stewardship. The programs are outdoor-based, hands-on experiences that provide:
Education in an outdoor setting and that correlate with academic curriculum standards;
Education, engagement, and stewardship opportunities that intentionally guide participants to contribute to conservation outcomes of Audubon’s Atlantic Flyway conservation plan;
Education, engagement, and stewardship opportunities that align with Chesapeake Bay protection and restoration goals;
Opportunities for Audubon to increase the diversity of people taking conservation action at the local level; and
Efforts to restore Baltimore’s bird habitat.
The Green Leaders educator is a part-time, seasonal position (August – June with potential to extend the timeline) and includes after-school program development, preparation, instruction, and evaluation. This innovative Audubon program comprises an interactive education program for 6th – 8th grade students with a focus on climate change and its impact on birds; a written curriculum guides the educator through successful lesson plans. The educator teaches students on school campuses and in 155-acre Patterson Park, Audubon’s outdoor “classroom.” Shaped by input from youth participants, the group will share its message with the broader community through public presentations and lead by example with local action projects. Occasional evening and weekend activities, including assistance with other Audubon programs, may be required.
Note: This position is grant funded (already received) and the employee will need to acknowledge the understanding that employment is contingent upon this funding.
Essential Functions
Prepare materials and deliver instruction for middle school after-school lessons at partner schools and in Patterson Park. Evaluate and enhance curriculum content and materials as needed.
Promote/market public presentations and prepare students to lead them.
Seek opportunities for community action projects to help Baltimore’s birds.
Maintain accurate records of program participation, and write summaries for documentation on Center website and Facebook page.
Refine existing curriculum and develop/integrate new content into written format; focus on Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, and birds. Write and revise lesson plans in English and in Spanish.
Perform administrative functions including but not limited to program registration, database maintenance, newsletter updates, and social media interface.
Assist with animal care, office duties, and general program outreach as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
We seek a creative, knowledgeable, and hardworking person dedicated to education and the environment, who possesses the following skills and experiences:
Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, environmental science, related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum one year’s experience teaching middle school students, preferably in an urban setting.
Proven skills teaching in formal and informal settings to diverse audiences.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
Experience organizing, motivating, and facilitating group discussions and debate among students and adults.
Knowledge of climate change facts and debate, its effects on birds and people, and its solutions.
Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay ecology and Baltimore City ecology.
Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
Must have current first aid and CPR certification, or obtain such certification before date of hire.
Fluency in Spanish strongly desired.
Physically able to accompany/lead/supervise activities on varied terrain, demonstrate/participate in activities such as bird watching/walking on trails, load/unload/haul native plants and equipment over moderate distances and up/down stairs.