Seasonal Naturalist

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

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 will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Audubon’s Seabird Institute is one of four pillars of National Audubon Society’s Coasts strategy. The program combines conservation science as well as education and outreach with the advocacy might of Audubon’s network to protect seabirds and the places they need. The Seabird Institute engages hundreds of visitors through its work at the Hog Island Audubon Camp.

As there is no regular boat transportation service to and from Hog Island and the mainland, the Naturalist is required to live in housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Audubon will provide the Naturalist with a private room with shared bathroom. Meals are provided on Hog Island when the kitchen is in operation. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, and the day revolves around camp programming on a six-day/ five-night program schedule that includes early morning bird walks, day trips and evening lectures. Weekend work is required. Some weeks will not include a full schedule and full hours may not be expected all weeks. Work at other Seabird Institute facilities and programs is possible during times when camp is not in session.

Start Date:
May 8, 2023

End Dates:
September (flexible ending date)

Compensation:

$17.00 / hour

• Lead day trips, boat trips, and workshops for Hog Island Audubon Camp. This includes leading birding hikes, overseeing eBird and iNaturalist accounts each week at camp on the camp computer or personal device.
• Ability to setup and oversee AV equipment including setting up for night lectures and workshops. Computer familiarity is a must including working online, email, and using basic hardware such as projectors and sound equipment.
• Maintain and oversee the Queen Mary Lab, including maintenance of the touch tank and other teaching resources.
• Help maintain the safety and wellbeing of all camp participants and coworkers.
• Ability to work long, flexible hours when needed, including weekends and evenings.
• Contribute to general camp operation and customer service by assisting with organization, moving equipment, operating store POS system, creating photo slide shows, and assisting with meal service.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, education, or related field. Equivalent experience in these fields will be considered in combination with some education.
• Experience developing and leading outdoor activities, working with all ages.
• Strong group management skills; ability to guide a group of up to 25 people of all ages.
• Love of outdoor exploration and questioning; ability to model curiosity and wonder about the natural world.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, and occasionally carry field equipment, with or without accommodation. Must be able to stand for extensive periods of time, lift up to 30lbs repeatedly throughout the day and walk over 2 miles at a time.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check.
• Must have a valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Must wear face masks where mandated.
• Ideal candidates would work May 8 to September 30, 2023 but some flexibility can occur with start and end dates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge, and the ability to pass on that knowledge, of the natural history of Maine and seabird conservation is preferred.
• Experience or willingness to learn the use of rowboats and outboard motor boats.
• Knowledge of core routines of nature connection (e.g., journaling, mapping, bird language, etc).
• Research experience and use of scientific concepts.
• Bird banding experience or certificate.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

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.

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.

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.