Job Classification: Seasonal Full Time (March 16 through December 15, 2024)
The GEORGE MYERS NATURALIST develops a full spectrum of skills through hands-on participation in various educational, research, and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) and Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) in Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's greatest hotspots for animal migration as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach. New Jersey Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna and the natural habitats with which they are associated.Note: This position is named in honor of the late George Myers, a talented CMBO Associate Naturalist who passed on much too soon. In the spirit of George, the position aims to bring the successful candidate through a full lifecycle of being a field naturalist: from learning how New Jersey Audubon translates research into outreach material and ultimately into conservation, to how we develop and execute programs for youth through adulthood. The successful applicant will work with CMBO during the spring and fall migration periods and for the NCCM during the summer months, during which time they will go from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of the needs of New Jersey's resident and migratory wildlife, the ways in which we are working to protect them, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of the important resources
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Educational Programming
- Conduct short programs, field trips, and workshops on bird identification and migration phenomena.
- Assist visitors with bird identification.
- Assist migration research counters as needed.
- Orient and assist visitors to the Cape May migration count sites. 800+ people may visit per day during peak times.
- Conduct children's programming at the Nature Center of Cape May's summer nature camp.
- Conduct interpretive outreach programs (emphasis on local aquatic marine animals) at various locations throughout Cape May County.
- Assist in all daily operations of running the Nature Center during the busy summer season. This may include program registration, retail operations, cleaning, gardening, animal care, aquarium and equipment maintenance, etc.
- Organize and maintain lesson plans, educational supplies, equipment, teaching materials, files and records, and all other programming information.
- Assist with the design and maintenance of interpretive exhibits, displays, and other center-based informational materials.
Membership
- Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.
Community Relations
- Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization's presence to increase local awareness, support and participation.
- Develop material for NJA website, blog, and volunteer/member newsletter.
- Assist with the development and management of the Bird Observatory's and Nature Center's social media pages.
- Develop brochures, checklists, and displays as instructed by the Program Director.
Other
- Obtain satisfactory background check.
- Attend center, department and NJ Audubon meetings and serve on committees as requested by supervisor.
- Obtain and maintain certification for First Aid, CPR and other public safety certification as appropriate
- Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a "team" approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.
- Assume additional responsibilities as required.
Qualifications/ Knowledge/ Skills
- Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, or similar field preferred.
- Familiarity with bird migration, birding, marine species, and coastal ecology is a plus, but learning on the job is expected and we will provide training and support.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office 365, social media) to fulfill the job requirements.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
- Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
- Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the department and organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Must have own transportation, a valid driver's license, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle in NJ.
- Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials, and to lift 25 lbs.
- Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
Starting Date: March 16, 2024 End Date: December 15, 2024
Salary: $15.50/hour. Housing may be available.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024.
Please send your cover letter, resume, and three references as a single PDF document to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org
Please write "George Myers" in the subject line so that your application is routed to the appropriate department for review.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.