Community Naturalist - WY
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Immediate Supervisor: Conservation Programs Manager
Division/Department: Community Naturalist/Education

Purpose of the Position

This position is to staff Audubon Wyoming’s only center, the Audubon Center at Garden Creek.  The Resident Community Naturalist will not only care for the Center and property, but also develop and execute grade school education programs.  The Community Naturalist will also work with local Audubon Chapters or community groups to coordinate and deliver Audubon Wyoming education programs at the local level.  He/she will transmit Audubon’s conservation message through a variety of educational programs reaching classroom, family and adult audiences, coordinate and develop citizen science opportunities at the direction of the Conservation Program Manager. 

Essential Functions

PROGRAMS: 

Work with local educators, community leaders and Audubon Wyoming’s
 Conservation Program Manager to create and implement educational and interpretive programs (for the classroom and Center) that contribute to conservation awareness, are pertinent to the local area and are consistent with and exemplify the programmatic direction of Audubon Wyoming and the National Audubon Society.  Specific programming will include:

1. Help develop, implement, and evaluate model environmental education program for young people, families, and adults.
2. Coordinate teacher requests for Center, field and classroom programs.
3. Advertise, schedule and help present a teacher and/or naturalist workshop for local teachers and/or naturalists focusing on birds and conservation.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of a strong volunteer recruitment and training program.
5. Participate in annual Audubon Coordinator trainings.
6. Assist with local membership development and fundraising strategies through the combination of educational programming and community outreach activities.
7. Acquire and maintain educational equipment and supplies.  Duties include research, purchase, maintenance, and storage of teaching supplies.
8. Articulate the Audubon mission and the Audubon Community Naturalist Education Plan to the community.
9. Assist the Conservation Program Manager in overall Community Naturalist Program responsibilities.
10. Act as liaison between local Audubon chapters and state office.
11. Assist Conservation Programs Manager and Community Naturalist II in development and implementation of age/grade appropriate interdisciplinary conservation education programs.
12. Assist with development and implementation of a nature-based program that would benefit adults
13. Keep the Center buildings in proper repair, informing Conservation Programs Manager of any deficiency.
14. Maintain the grounds and parking area of the Center.  Duties include but are not limited to mowing the yard, trimming the shrubs, weeding the butterfly garden, and upkeep of the trails/bridges.
15. Supervise staff and volunteers.
16. Assist with MAPS banding station.
17. Establish partnerships with local schools and encourage their participation in Audubon’s education programs and services.
18. Work with other Community Naturalists to develop nature and environmental exhibits for on and off site use.

COMMUNICATION:

Maintain regular communication with Wyoming Audubon’s Conservation Program Manager 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 Conservation Program Manager:

• Annual Education 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 as described in the CN packet.
• Center/Community Naturalist Annual Report.
• Enter MAPS banding data

Additional Functions

• Act as voice of Audubon in the geographic scope of the local Community Naturalist Program on the mission of Audubon, the programs developed around it, and the vision for the future.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships/collaboration with other organizations that share Audubon’s mission.
• Develop a close working relationship with local Audubon members and chapters, and provide supporting services consistent with the policies and positions of the National Audubon Society.
• Other duties, as assigned by the Conservation Program Manager.
• Will work with Audubon’s National Centers & Education office as appropriate in designing and implementing programs. 

Relationships

Internal: Reports to Audubon Wyoming’s Conservation Program Manager.  Interacts with Audubon Wyoming’s staff

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

 

Equipment: (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

Computer, phone, fax, audio and visual.

At least two years of advanced 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.  Bird banding experience a positive. Must be willing to travel and possess a valid drivers license.  Conservation ethic is a must. 

Physical Requirements: (e.g., lifting, reaching, climb, push/pull, etc.)

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

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.