Community Naturalist
Location: Northwest Colorado
Immediate Supervisor: Colorado State Office
Division/Department: Director of Conservation

Purpose of the position

The Community Naturalist is responsible for working with local Audubon Chapters or community groups to coordinate and deliver the Audubon Colorado education and outreach programs at the local level in northwest Colorado, including the watersheds of the Yampa River, the White River and the upper Colorado River.  He/she will translate Audubon’s conservation message through a variety of educational programs reaching classroom, family and adult audiences, and coordinate and develop citizen science opportunities at the direction of the Director of Conservation.  A major focus of the community outreach and citizen science efforts will be the importance of protecting key habitats on the Yampa River and other critical ecosystems in northwest Colorado, including bird species of concern in riparian and sagebrush habitats, such as Greater Sandhill Cranes and Greater Sage-Grouse.  

PROGRAMS: Work with local educators, community leaders and  Audubon Colorado’s Director of Conservation  to create and implement educational, interpretive and community outreach programs that contribute to conservation awareness, are pertinent to the local area and are consistent with and exemplify the programmatic direction of  Audubon Colorado and the National Audubon Society.  Specific programming will include:

• Pursue opportunities for community outreach that will advance conservation actions on priority landscapes in northwest Colorado.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate model environmental education program for young people, families, and adults.
• Coordinate teacher requests for field and classroom programs.
• Advertise, schedule and help present a teacher and/or naturalist workshop for local teachers and/or naturalists focusing on birds and conservation.
• Develop and carry out programs to build good working relationships among the conservation community, the agricultural community, the corporate community and local residents for the benefit of wildlife.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a strong volunteer recruitment program.
• Act as liaison between regional Audubon chapters and state office.
• Assist with local membership development and fundraising strategies through the combination of educational programming and community outreach activities.
• Acquire and maintain educational equipment and supplies.  Duties include research, purchase, maintenance, and storage of teaching supplies.

COMMUNICATION.  Maintain regular communication with Audubon Colorado’s Director of Conservation via e-mail and phone.  Work closely and communicate regularly with the local Audubon Chapter leadership and its education committee.

REPORTS:  Prepare and submit a program reports including the following to the Director of Conservation:

• Annual plan for community programs including intended audience, program subject, and program participant goals.  This is developed with local community input through the chapter board or other appropriate community education entity.
• Mid-year and end-of-the year program reports

Additional Functions:

1. Act as the local voice of Audubon on the mission of Audubon, the programs developed around it, and the vision for the future.
2. Develop and maintain good working relationships/collaboration with other organizations that share Audubon’s mission.
3. Other duties, as assigned by the Director of Conservation.
4. Will work with Audubon’s National Centers & Education office as appropriate in designing and implementing programs. 

Relationships

Internal:

Reports to Audubon Colorado’s Director of Conservation.  Interacts with Audubon Colorado’s staff

External:

Interacts with teachers, students, general public, volunteers, partner organization staff, chapter members, vendors

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift 50 lbs, and stand/walk for long periods.

Equipment:

Computer, phone, fax, audio visual.

Qualifications:

An undergraduate degree in natural sciences or education with two years of related work experience in a school, nature center, science center, zoo, aquarium, museum or community-based organization. Proven abilities to develop, implement and evaluate innovative environmental education curricula, staff and/or docent training programs.  Proven talents in teaching, and working with teachers & naturalists, in an informal setting.  Knowledge of flora and fauna of the region with an emphasis on birds.  Excellent leadership, communication and organization skills.  Exceptional ability to collaborate with partners and people of all backgrounds.  Experience in operational, management, marketing and fiscal aspects of environmental education programs preferred.  Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver’s license.  Conservation ethic is a must. 

The National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.

Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the man or woman best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status.