Job Title:  Spring & Summer Environmental Educator

Department: Education Department

Reports to:  Youth Programs Manager

Classification: Seasonal Contract

Employment Dates:  March 11- June 7 with Summer Educator extension through August 30th intended

Compensation:  $16-$18/hr for up to 40 hours per week, based on experience and background*

*Additional compensation available for applicants demonstrating exceptional background and experience in cultural competency and advancing organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as trauma-informed care or restorative justice training; applicants demonstrating fluency in the following languages: Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Vietnamese, or Somalian; applicants possessing Wilderness First Responder certification; and applicants possessing a Commercial Drivers License, Class B.

We recognize that in order to serve diverse communities we must also have that diversity represented in our staff. Applicants of color, immigrants, and other underserved persons are encouraged to apply.

The Spring Environmental Educator position is intended to transition into a full-time summer position assuming high quality job performance in the spring.

The Summer Camp Environmental Educator has employment dates of June 10th- August 30th.

About Audubon Society of Portland

Audubon Society of Portland has been a leading voice in conservation for over a century.  Through conservation advocacy, environmental education, and wildlife rehabilitation, we promote the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats.  We are located in a 150-acre wildlife sanctuary in Forest Park, just minutes from downtown Portland. With over 15,000 members and 450 regular volunteers, we are the largest independent chapter of the National Audubon Society in the United States.  Additional background regarding our extensive education, advocacy, wildlife rehabilitation, and habitat programs can be found at www.audubonportland.org(link is external).

The Audubon Society of Portland has just completed a five year strategic plan. A core priority moving forward is to infuse equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) into all of the goals and work of the organization. The Seasonal Environmental Educator will play an important role in achieving the organization’s EID goals through the delivery of high quality programs.

The Audubon Society of Portland’s Education Department provides a broad mix of free and fee based programs for youth and adults. With a $1,000,000 budget, the Department directly reaches approximately 15,000 youth and 1,000 adults each year, leads local, regional, and international tours, and manages an outdoor education site near Mt. Hood.

Job Summary

The Audubon Society of Portland is seeking talented Environmental Educators to lead our youth program trips, classes, and camps. Applicants must have experience in Environmental Education with knowledge of Pacific Northwest natural history. Qualified individuals should have a passion for working with children and for cultivating each child’s personal connection to the natural world. Portland Audubon’s Environmental Educators work with diverse populations of youth, including youth of color, immigrants, and underserved youth, and as such Environmental Educators need to have a dedication to advancing equity, respecting diversity, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive learning experience for all. Our educators are responsible for collaborative facilitation of programs as well as being flexible and willing to teach in informal outdoor settings. Each Environmental Educator will work with a team of education staff to run the activities of each program in a safe, fun, and engaging way.

We are hiring for several positions to lead a variety of environmental education programs for school age youth, including traveling programs in local schools, onsite field trips at Portland Audubon’s sanctuary, off-site field trips to local natural areas, and overnight experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and leads classes, outdoor experiences, overnight programs and camps for children and youth
• Supports the implementation of equity, inclusion, and diversity goals and strategies for the education department that accentuate the diversity of the communities engaged in environmental and educational work
• Arranges for program provisions such as transportation, food, and equipment
• Coordinates the maintenance and repair of the materials and supplies of existing programs
• Delivers excellent customer service, internally and externally

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to environmental education and conservation of the natural environment
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities
• Enthusiasm about working in an inclusive environment which serves children of all backgrounds and abilities
• Knowledge of strategies to connect children to nature and the outdoors
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Field experience teaching grades 1-8
• Overnight youth program experience
• Knowledge of general forest ecology, pacific northwest natural history, regional birds and mammals
• Willing and able to work week days, including multiple overnight programs
• Second language abilities in addition to English (Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Vietnamese, Somalian) preferred. Native speakers preferred

Special Conditions/Restrictions of the Position

• Must possess current driver’s license and have access to a vehicle
• Ability to be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds to waist level
• Ability to hike up to five miles with a pack
• Ability to work overnight programs
• Ability to be certified for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

Application

Audubon Society of Portland does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or mental or physical handicap. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.  Audubon Society of Portland is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of our community in its board, staff, volunteers, and members; ensuring its internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advance its diversity goals; and empowering people to make positive changes in their community and environment. The Audubon Society of Portland Community Programs Educator is expected to serve diverse audiences and help advance Portland Audubon’s diversity strategies. More background on our diversity efforts can be found at http://audubonportland.org/about(link is external)

More information can be found at http://audubonportland.org(link is external).