What are the responsibilities and job description for the Naturalist Intern position at National Audubon Society, Inc.?
Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Naturalist Intern position involves assisting with hands-on habitat restoration, including planting and maintaining California Native plants to promote biodiversity and climate resilience. Responsibilities include engaging the public through conservation workshops, delivering nature-based programming like bird walks and field trips, and collecting ecological data via community science programs. Additional duties involve assisting visitors, staffing the Welcome Center, supporting outreach at community fairs, maintaining shared spaces, and communicating with Audubon staff and volunteers. Training will be provided.
In addition to restoring habitat for birds and other wildlife at Debs Park and along the L.A. River, the Center’s primary goal is restoring the connection between people and the land in Los Angeles. As the first center that Audubon built within an urban environment to specifically engage the Latino community, the Audubon Center at Debs Park has played an important role in building a more diverse and inclusive conservation movement here in Los Angeles and beyond. Community engagement lies at the core of the Center’s values and programming. In its holistic, people-focused, approach to conservation work, the Audubon Center at Debs Park serves as a community hub for environmental justice and advocacy work in Los Angeles and across the Audubon network.
This is an on-site #CaliforniansForAll College Corps position located at Audubon Center Debs Park.
Additional Job Description
Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:
In-person position
Assist with hands-on habitat restoration work, maintaining and planting California Native plants at various restoration sites to promote biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Engage the public through activities/workshops about climate resilience and conservation.
Assist and deliver hands-on nature-based programming, such as bird walks and nature field trips.
Assist in collecting ecological data via community science programs, such as iNaturalist and eBird.
Assist and potentially lead community bird walks for the public, with assistance from Audubon staff.
Assist rental group visitors as needed
Staff the Welcome Center, engaging visitors in a positive, supportive manner.
Support outreach programs as needed by tabling at local community fairs.
Communicate with Audubon staff and volunteers.
The Audubon Center at Debs Park is a shared space, all staff and interns are assigned tasks to help maintain the shared spaces clean and safe.
If able, attend weekly staff meetings and monthly California Audubon Meetings.
Intern Benefits
Learn how to identify California native plants and wildlife.
Learn how to coordinate and run community events centered on nature and green access for urban communities.
Learn essential professional skills for the workplace.
Intern Schedule
20 hours maximum per week from 8AM to 4PM until completion of 450 hours as per College for All Corps, Thursdays to Sundays preferred.
Qualifications and Experience:
Ability to take directions and work independently.
Strong communication skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Able to use Google Drive, Sheets, Docs) or Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
Able to effectively engage with general visitors.
Able to show proof of vaccination.
Able to lift at least 30 pounds
Able to work outdoors for prolonged periods of time
Able to walk inclines for prolonged periods of time
Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Preferred: Interest in healthy green space.
Preferred: Valid Class C Driver License
EEO Statement
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.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
