Environmental Education and Engagement Fellow
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Mass Audubon is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization and to providing greater access to nature for everyone. Part of this work requires us to address the historic inequities within the environmental and conservation fields, which is why the Environmental Fellowship Program for Early Careers (EFP) was created. The EFP is a unique program designed to increase pathways into environmental professions for people whose identities have been historically underrepresented. Each 14-month fellowship is hosted within one of five departments: Land Conservation, Conservation Science, Policy and Advocacy, Marketing and Communications, or Environmental Education. Our fellows will have the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time while working alongside a passionate and dedicated team of professionals. In addition to professional experience, the fellows are given opportunities for networking, mentoring, and skill development within a supportive cohort model.
Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda is a five-year plan to address the rapid loss of wildlife habitat, inequitable access to nature, and the threat of climate change. Environmental Education and Community Engagement are key strategies in achieving goals focused on increasing equitable and inclusive access to nature across Massachusetts. The Environmental Education & Engagement Fellow will be part of the Education and Engagement Team, based out of Mass Audubon Headquarters in Lincoln, MA and will have the opportunity to play a key role in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Working with educators in central and regional offices, they will support project management in a selected statewide education program. The Fellow will also contribute to community engagement efforts in 2-3 Massachusetts cities, as part of our Nature in the City program.
In addition to including a cover letter and resume, please complete the Conservation Science Fellow Questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/r/SegTFD19gM. A complete application includes a cover letter, resume, and submitted questionnaire. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
Responsibilities
Primary duties and responsibilities will be divided (70%) between participating in statewide professional learning communities to focus on the design and implementation of inclusive and culturally responsive programming; working on a specific project team to develop, implement, and/or evaluate an environmental education program or statewide initiative; and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to design and conduct community engagement research. Additional time will be allotted (30%) for professional development, mentoring, and professional projects or research.
Environmental Education and Community Engagement:
- Work with a team to develop and implement programs and activities for a variety of audiences (children, families, teens, adults) at Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries and in communities, utilizing best practices in culturally responsive teaching and environmental education
- Work with a cross disciplinary team of educators, managers and other wildlife sanctuary staff to prepare and conduct activities for community engagement and educational initiatives, with a emphasis on connecting with marginalized communities
- Assist in the utilization of program assessment tools according to Mass Audubon guidelines and practices. Analyze results for evaluation and communicate outcomes to education colleagues to drive program improvement
- Attend and actively participate in statewide and regional staff meetings, professional learning communities, and professional development trainings related to the Fellow’s area of focus
- When teaching and delivering educational programs, maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, and maintain strong accountability to Mass Audubon’s risk management policies, child safe environment guidelines, as well as all pertinent licensing regulations and accreditation standards
- When teaching and delivering educational programs, effectively communicate and represent Mass Audubon’s mission, vision, and programs to visitors, members, and community members
Project Management:
- Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of a selected signature education program, based on Fellow’s interest and passion; programs should prioritize accessibility to marginalized populations
- Utilize project results to inform further refinement of program and scale up to other regions
Administration/Marketing:
- Collaborate in the planning, budgeting and marketing of a specific suite of educational programs via participation in a selected professional learning community, e.g. Early Education, K12 Schools, Youth Climate Leadership Program, Day Camps, or Adult Learning, employing DEIJA principles at each step in the process
- Support the writing and preparation of marketing and public relations materials, including but not limited to, informational brochures and education related publications, including web-based communications for a specific audience area
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
- Must obtain a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the fellowship. Degrees or fields of study especially suitable for this work include: Biology, Early Education and Care in Inclusive Settings, Education, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, ecology, earth science, or related field
- Strongly values the critical role that community engagement and environmental education programs play in helping to build healthy, vibrant and equitable communities
- Enthusiasm for designing inclusive and equitable learning experiences that support connection to nature and learning about the interdependence of people and nature
- Experience leading environmental education programs for children, or other audiences, or any equivalent combination of education and related experience
- Excellent writing and speaking skills
- Strong project management skills
- Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
- Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching and/or other equity-based pedagogy
- Experience designing and delivering urban environmental education programming or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel throughout the state
- First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed)
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s base salary range is $50,000 - $55,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).
Work Schedule
Full-time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday.
This position is a hybrid position with opportunities to work in-person and remotely.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
COVID-19 Considerations
Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.