Community Conservation Fellow

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 California is seeking a fellow for the Audubon Center at Debs Park; fellows are meant to engage a broad diversity of communities to create meaningful conservation solutions that work for birds, nature, and people. The Community Conservation Fellowship seeks to develop lasting relationships between urban communities and Audubon. The Fellow will engage communities in nature, environmental advocacy, and climate resilience over a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2023.

The goal is to engage the surrounding communities and neighborhoods in Bird-Friendly Communities activities, increase neighborhood participation, and engage local leaders and stakeholders in meaningful ways. With mentorship from Audubon staff, the Fellow will contribute to conservation and outreach work at either Debs Park Center or the Richardson Bay Audubon Center. The Fellow will work with youth programming (14-21) for a year, as a part-time employee. Throughout the season, the Fellow will receive training and gain the skills necessary to work with youth and community members in hands-on habitat restoration, leadership development, community stewardship, and advocacy. Through center-based programming, fellows will practice and develop skills by working with youth and communities – building up student leaders, advocates, and land stewards. Fellows will co-design with center leadership and staff a series of outdoor community events and projects that target diverse, multi-generational audiences.

This job requires a culturally competent, organized, and responsible person who is an excellent communicator that can work effectively as part of a team and independently. The successful applicant must have an enthusiasm for the Outdoors; and a willingness to learn, teach, and share actively with community groups.

This position is on-site at Audubon California Debs Park, 4700 Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Compensation:

$15.50-$17.98 / hour

• Be a representative of Audubon when dealing with visitors and program attendees.
• Lead restoration activities around the center and nearby project sites.
• With the help of the Public Programs Manager, co-lead youth component at Audubon’s annual Advocacy Day.
• Present interactive workshops and demonstrations as needed for Center special events and Youth programming.
• Inventory and maintain garden tools and other equipment.
• Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency.
• Assist with training new volunteers in restoration practices, including tools safety overview and shadowing.
• Assist in assigning Restoration Lead Volunteers tasks to help with site upkeep.
• Assist with opening and closing the Center and covering the Welcome Center as needed

• Desire to engage with others, with an emphasis on young people, about conservation and the natural world.
• Willingness to spend periods of time outside in varied weather conditions.
• Possess the necessary communication and motivational skills to lead small group events and activities.
• Experience/ability in teaching or working with diverse audiences.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for detail.
• A minimum of one year of relevant job or volunteer experience in outreach, organizing, communication, education, or conservation. Or a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree focusing on or interest in environmental, climate change, marine or coastal, administrative, or land use law, or other relevant topics.
• Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word.
• Available to work one weekend day and comfortable to working evenings as needed.

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