Program Specialist

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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
The Program Specialist will be responsible for leading the Wachusett Meadow 2-day Nature Adventures for Young Folks preschool program. The majority of their 18 hours supports the coordination of preschool program development and teaching the program. The Program Specialist may assist in management of preschool program-specific budgets with support from a Lead Education Coordinator and/or Education Manager. The Program Specialist also teaches and develops other education and engagement programs in accordance with Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda strategic priorities and Mass Audubon’s education frameworks, goals, standards, and practices.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Management

• Plan, coordinate and market preschool program through electronic and print media according to Mass Audubon standards and practices
• Maintain accurate records of programs, program participants, and education files according to Mass Audubon policy, state regulations, and accreditation standards, as appropriate
• Coordinate with preschool families to communicate policies and program

Education

• Develop and implement nature-based lessons and activities for preschool participants with demonstrated skills and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in inclusion
• Prepare and conduct activities for community engagement activities, events, and other related educational activities. Work in collaboration with Statewide Education Managers to ensure program alignment and best practices
• Assist in the professional development of part-time/per diem field teachers to ensure high quality program design and instruction
• Implement program assessment tools according to Mass Audubon guidelines and practices. Analyze results for evaluation and communicate outcomes to supervisors for program decision making
• Maintain updated curricula, instructional materials, educational supplies, and resources
• Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority
• Assist in the development and delivery of educational programs and activities outside of specific area, as needed

Other

• Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, audience professional learning communities, and professional development trainings as required
• Assist in activities during vacation weeks, camp, and community engagement, and support membership development and fundraising, as needed
• Perform other position-related duties, as assigned

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 Haves

• Associate degree or higher in education, biological, earth science, environmental studies, or equivalent, and a minimum of three years’ experience in conducting educational programs with preschoolers
• Ability to work well with staff and volunteers
• Strong communication skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• Ability to establish effective Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities related to conservation and biodiversity of urban, suburban, and rural areas
• Requires First Aid and CPR certification upon hire

Nice to Haves

• EEC License or equivalent experience

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $22.30-$24.83/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is a year-round position and earns vacation time as well as receives paid holidays.

Work Schedule
18 hours per week, primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am-4:00pm, with variable times/days for remaining hours as needed. Occasional evenings and weekends to support other educational programs and sanctuary events. June-August schedule may vary to support camp and community programming.

Approximate workload distribution:

• 25-50% in program coordination, research/development/evaluation, marketing, community engagement and/or partnership building
• 50-75% in teaching and program delivery

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

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.

Physical Demands
The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to talk, hear, sit, stand, and walk. Occasionally the employee is required to bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, push/pull, walk over uneven terrain, and lift up to 40 lbs. Employee is required to apply limited manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination, such as basic keyboarding, basic hand tools and instruments, filing, operating office equipment, and operating a motor vehicle. Employee must have the ability to read documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes. Occasionally the employee is required to review non-written materials for general observation purposes and for analytical, detailed purposes. Occasionally it is necessary for the employee to differentiate between colors.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Routinely work is performed within an educational setting. Typically work is performed outdoors with exposure to weather/temperature extremes and extended periods of traversing uneven terrain. Work may require performing responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Tools and Equipment Used
The employee is required to use a personal computer and general office equipment (e.g., telephone, calculator, adding machine, copier, facsimile, etc.). May require the use of two-way radios for communication with field staff.