Nature Education Intern
Baltimore, Maryland
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, 22 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).
Audubon is a Baltimore leader in nature-based
education, urban bird conservation, and community revitalization. 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 nature education, community
engagement, and stewardship. The programs are outdoor-based, hands-on
experiences that provide:
Conservation education in an outdoor setting and
that correlates 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;
and
Opportunities for Audubon to increase the
diversity of people taking conservation action at the local level.
Efforts to restore Baltimore’s bird habitat.
Position Summary:
Patterson Park Audubon Center requires two
part-time (10-15 hours/week) Nature Education Interns to prepare and instruct
conservation education programs under the supervision of the Center’s Education
Manager. The position includes teaching community programs and in-school,
elementary lessons, using Patterson Park as Audubon’s outdoor “classroom.” The
position also involves a role in program promotion and outreach. This position
is in partnership with Fund II.
Essential Functions:
Serves as important part of education team;
reports to the center’s Education Manager. Works with additional center and
state staff.
Coordinates program logistics with teachers,
chaperones, volunteers, and staff of partner organizations.
Maintains professional, positive, and friendly
working relationship with general public, volunteers, and local/regional
community organizations and school groups.
Prepare, deliver, and evaluate elementary school
lessons at partner schools and in Patterson Park. Enhance curriculum content,
materials, and procedures as needed.
Prepare, deliver, and evaluate community
programs such as Tiny Tots, Amigos Pequeñitos, and assist on bird watching
walks.
Maintain accurate program records and high
quality education programs.
Promote Center programs and volunteer
opportunities through print and electronic means, reach out to new audiences,
and build Audubon’s name in Baltimore.
Perform administrative functions including but
not limited to postcard calendar design and mailings, database maintenance, and
social media interface.
Assist with animal care and office duties as
needed.
Qualifications and Experience:
Minimum two years of study toward a degree in
education, biology, environmental science, or related field or equivalent
experience.
Minimum two years’ experience in conservation
education, preferably in an urban setting.
Proven skills teaching in formal and informal
settings to diverse audiences, with emphasis on elementary education.
Ability to command a challenging audience.
Organized and efficient, with good communication
skills and professional manner.
Highly motivated, detail-oriented, independent
worker, capable of working well in a team.
Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of
birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
Knowledge of Maryland native plants, Chesapeake
Bay ecology, and Baltimore City ecology preferred.
Must be available on 1-2 weekdays during the school
day and for occasional weekend and evening work.
Must have current first aid and CPR
certification, or obtain such certification by start date.
Spanish language skills a plus.
Must be proficient with MS Office applications;
working with digital photos; email, internet, social media.
Physically able to accompany/lead/supervise
students on field trips with varied terrain, demonstrate/participate in
activities such as bird watching/walking on trails, assist with
loading/unloading/hauling equipment over moderate distances and up/down stairs.
Apply online: http://www.audubon.org/careers
Please mention how you learned of this opening.