Seasonal Outdoor Educator

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Our full-time seasonal Outdoor Educator will report to the Associate Director of the Blair Visitor Center and lead and support outdoor education and nature interpretation programs on-site for Sanctuary visitors of all ages. This will primarily include delivering summer camp for children ages 6-12, along with other educational programs and events at the Sanctuary. They may also occasionally support our visitor center by working at our admissions desk and performing facility and boardwalk closing duties, as required.

This position is a full-time, seasonal role, up to 40 hours/week from approximately May 23, 2024 – July 31, 2024 and is based on-site at our Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. 

• Compensation: $17.00 / hour.
• Rustic, shared accommodations are available on-site, as a taxable employment benefit.
  • Please indicate in your application if you require on-site accommodations.

Essential Functions

• Researches, plans, delivers, and evaluates interactive and engaging outdoor education and nature interpretation programs at the Sanctuary for summer campers, as well as visitors of all ages.
• Creates a meaningful experience for program participants, while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
• Ensures daily safety and well-being for program participants, as well as cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining assigned areas and Sanctuary property.
• Maintains and enhances existing activities/curriculum, including maintaining program materials and resources.
• Serves as a role model naturalist and environmental steward to the community.
• Interacts professionally and positively with co-workers, program participants, parents and Sanctuary visitors.
• Interacts with the public to provide information about Audubon and Audubon’s mission, answers specific questions from visitors and is a positive ambassador of Audubon.
• Supports procurement of supplies, marketing and promotion of programs and completes program related administrative duties.
• Attends mandatory staff training as assigned.
• Supports admissions and retail operations throughout the Visitor Center.
• Assists with special events.
• Assists with end of day facility closure by clearing the Sanctuary campus and boardwalk to ensure all visitors have safely exited.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must have or be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or diploma in education, recreation, environmental studies/science, natural history, geography, or other related field.
• Minimum of two semesters/seasons of working in environmental education.
• Minimum of two semesters/seasons of experience working with children and youth in any setting.
• Skill teaching in formal and informal settings to various audiences, and excellent group management skills.
• Ability to work and collaborate with people of varying backgrounds.
• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Must be self-motivated, able to take initiative, handle multiple tasks, and be highly organized, with attention to detail.
• Ability to create, deliver and evaluate outdoor education lesson plans and activities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and humidity.
• CPR & First Aid certified or the ability to become certified prior to employment.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, lift up to 25 lbs., and traverse uneven terrain for over 2 miles with or without accommodation.
• Background in south Florida’s natural history is desirable.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is required.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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