Seasonal Educator

National Audubon Society•Gibbon, NE

3d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary : The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary seeks enthusiastic educators, naturalists, and experienced teachers to serve as a Seasonal Educator for our summer nature day camps, known at Platte River Safari and Flying Higher camps. The Seasonal Educator will work with children in grades 2-5 and 6-8 as they explore the Platte River landscape, including river channels, prairies, wetlands, and riparian woodlands across Rowe Sanctuary’s protected acres. Platte River Safari and Flying Higher are both experiential-based conservation day camps. The program aims to engage children out on the land and the water to discover the great diversity of life beyond their backyards. By using local field sites and an interdisciplinary, experiential-based curriculum that leads to conservation action, Safari and Flying Higher Camps aim to create in the minds of our children a deeper appreciation for where we live. Each week of camp centers on a different theme, providing campers opportunities to search for wildlife, learn about birds and habitats, make nature-inspired crafts, hike trails, play outdoor games, and build curiosity and confidence in the natural world. Educators will teach primarily outdoors, foster meaningful connections to nature, and help create safe, joyful, and memorable experiences for every camper. Seasonal Educators are key members of a collaborative camp team and will work closely with a Summer Camp Counselor, year-round Rowe Sanctuary staff, and volunteers serving as mentors and role models. This position will work with the Education Manager and Rowe’s Education staff to implement Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Platte River Safari summer camp programs. Camp runs for 4 weeks, June 1 – July 10. There are 5 days of paid professional development and naturalist training prior to the start of camp and a week of clean-up and camp de-brief after camps conclude. This is a full-time, seasonal position based on-site at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska. The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. Camp Schedule: Training: June 8th-12th Monday-Friday camp schedule is 8:00am – 4:30pm from June 15-July 10 Camp clean-up and debrief July 13-17th. All camp staff will have 2 unpaid floating vacation days towards the end of the season to account for June 19th and July 3rd (observed July 4th).

Requirements

Experience leading youth in educational activities, especially outdoor educational activities.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Knowledge of or interest in learning theory, current education initiatives, and ecological principles.
Demonstrated group management skills; ability to lead a group of up to 32 campers (with support).
Excellent storytelling skills to captivate young audiences and make nature concepts engaging and memorable.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with a calm and adaptable demeanor.
Familiarity with de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution techniques in a group setting.
Must have reliable transportation to and from our Audubon Center each day for work.
Must have the ability to traverse all major trails of the Audubon Center and on uneven terrain or without reasonable accommodations.
Be able to, traverse, remain stationary, stand, grasp, transport items, push, reach, climb and pull for short and extended periods of time up to 40 pounds and be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions with or without accommodations.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Nice To Haves

Working towards or has a bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or a similar program of study is preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations, including neurodiverse children or children with different physical abilities.
CPR and 1st Aid Certification are highly recommended.

Responsibilities

Attend camp training week led by professional Audubon Educators.
Review camp curriculum and work with staff to modify curricula.
Be responsible for camp preparation, cleanup, and child supervision during camp times.
Work with your co-educators to implement and lead all four weeks of nature-based camp activities and curriculum.
May need to help generate and lead activities to supplement time.
Provide a fun and safe educational experience for children during camp.
Work as a cohesive team to ensure we provide the best camp experience possible. And work both as part of a team and independently with effective communication skills.
Work collaboratively with academic staff to ensure excellence and maintain continuous improvement in programming.
Help maintain the safety and well-being of all camp participants and coworkers outside, all day long, throughout the course of camp.
Follow and enforce all camp policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Collaborate with Audubon staff, interns and volunteers to ensure that Audubon’s values are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
Address camper conflicts or behavioral challenges with patience, empathy, and appropriate strategies.
Report all conflicts to the Education Manager.
Model respectful and positive behavior, setting the tone for an inclusive and welcoming camp culture.
Inform the Center Director and Programs Manager of any safety concerns, incidents, or supply needs promptly.
Provide feedback to the Education Manager about the program’s successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Speak to camp parents and guardians daily, in a professional manner.
Maintain Audubon’s facility and materials with daily cleaning and tidying at camp.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Use creative, hands-on approaches to teach nature-based concepts in ways that are engaging and age-appropriate.