Purpose of the position:

Formulate and lead environmental education functions at the Audubon Center at the Bent of the River.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and manage education programs consistent with the Center’s Education Program and Facilities Plan and Audubon’s Conservation Goals;
• Develop contacts with administrators for Region 15 and other school districts and schools, and work with curriculum directors and teachers to integrate the Bent’s education programs with school curriculum standards, train teachers and arrange school visits; direct Summer Day Camps;
• Supervise education staff and volunteers; hire and train new education specialists/naturalists, seasonal and temporary staff as needed; manage the recruitment and training of volunteer teacher/naturalists;
• Manage the Center’s education program scheduling and staffing; assist with Center events, projects and campaigns as required;
• Lead natural history walks and present workshops, classes and seminars on environmental topics; make presentations describing ecological processes, plant and animal species, geology, hydrology, chemistry, and other science topics to school groups, Audubon members, visiting organizations, volunteers, and the general public; appear before public meetings, and express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely
• Oversee the publication of the Center’s quarterly newsletter and publications advertising the Center’s education programs; coordinate regular updates of the Center’s website;
• Greet visitors and the general public; handle public inquiries about natural history subjects; coordinate citizen science and Audubon at Home projects;
• Maintain close contact with other environmental organizations in the State, including the attendance at meetings, seminars, conferences, and field events;
• Maintain and publish records on species sightings at the Bent of the River.
• Perform administrative functions, as necessary;
• Maintain an orderly, safe and clean work place and sanctuary;

Physical And Mental Requirements:

• Make decisions requiring good judgment and complete knowledge of subject matter, including task sequencing, and administrative procedures.
• Stay informed about current trends, techniques and developments relating to environmental education.
• Make general decisions in the absence of specific directions.
• Perform activities requiring sustained concentration.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to produce and interpret visual sources of information, including PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, reports, procedural documentation, manuals and reference materials.
• Use oral communication to perform work, including answer the phone, instruct any assigned staff and coordinate with other personnel.
• Able to work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Be able to hike over rough terrain for several miles.  Sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, climb, kneel, stand, push, pull for extended periods of time.

Measurement of Performance:

• Establish and maintain effective communication with Center Manager and other NAS personnel.
• Provide high-quality education experiences for Center visitors;
• Meet public visitation and participation goals set by the Center Manager.
• Meet all assigned deadlines.
• Meet all administrative and reporting standards.

Relationships:

Report directly to Center Manager; required to keep the Center Manager informed of all aspects of the position’s responsibilities and duties.  Coordinate the position’s activities and functions with other personnel, as required.  Supervise education personnel, interns and volunteers.  Maintain a friendly and productive working relationship with Audubon personnel, the general public, Audubon members, other conservation organizations, the media, elected officials, and government authorities.

Qualifications: (e.g., education, training, experience, licenses and skills)

A Bachelors, and preferably a Masters degree in environmental education, biology or a related field; at least three years’ experience as an environmental educator or naturalist. Experience managing education programs preferred.  Must possess a valid driver’s license.