Job Description
Job Description
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
We are looking for an educator who is enthusiastic about working with people of all ages, highly motivated, loves to be outdoors, is dedicated to environmental education and deeply committed to equity in access to nature. Paddle Program Lead Field Teachers work with Mass Audubon Education Coordinators to develop and implement hands-on, nature-based programming for youth, community groups, and families who visit Magazine Beach Park Nature Center, promoting Mass Audubon’s mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts for wildlife and people. The ideal candidate will also support Mass Audubon’s commitment to climate change education, equity, and justice and bring a diverse range of experiences, expressions, and views to their work.
This position’s focus will be on Paddle for Empowerment, a kayaking program that offers 80 kayaking trips to over 1,500 individuals. They will be the day-of program coordinator and lead paddler instructor.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter. Only applications with these materials will be reviewed.
Responsibilities
Paddle Lead Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure kayaks and gear are at the program location on-time and are in working condition
- Communicate with program partners to confirm program details
- Greet partner groups and create an approachable and exciting atmosphere that encourages participants to go paddling
- Lead Paddle safety talk at the beginning of each program
- Work with co-leaders to ensure participants are properly fitted with PFDs and paddles and are informed on the expectations of the program, creating space for participants to set their own goals for their experience
- Perform paddling assists and rescues as needed while on the water
- Work with evaluation team to facilitate program evaluation and participant feedback
Field Teacher Responsibilities outside of Paddle Lead Role
- During Magazine Beach Park Nature Center drop-in hours, develop a nature engagement display that will encourage park visitors to connect with the nature of the park
- Facilitate/lead groups of 10-15 program participants in hands-on, outdoor, nature-based learning experiences
- Work with Education Coordinators to develop and deliver nature-based educational programs for community groups and families
- Actively welcome park visitors to the Nature Center
- Monitor program participants in all types of outdoor environments and ensure the safety and comfort of all participants
- Maintain a professional work environment, which includes equipment cleanup, facility cleaning, and storage of program gear and materials
- Participate in Field Teacher trainings and professional development opportunities
- Convey Mass Audubon’s mission, Action Agenda and educational philosophies throughout all programs
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
- Passion for natural history, environmental education and/or science education
- Experience as an educator, working with a variety of audiences, including school groups (preK-12) community groups, and/or families in inquiry-based teaching and learning
- Strong organizational, time management, oral, and written communication skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Skills and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in inclusion
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and work collaboratively, as a positive contributor to the team
- Proficiency in standard business software, such as Microsoft Office or G Suite
- Must be American Red Cross Lifeguard or Small Craft Safety and Basic Water Rescue certified or willing to certify upon hire
Nice to Haves
- Bachelor’s Degree in process or completed, preferably in education, biology, environmental sciences, or related field, including formal or informal
- Fluency in other languages commonly spoken in Cambridge (Spanish, Amharic, Haitian Kreyòl, Portuguese, Chinese or other)
- Local to the community of Cambridge
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $21.00-$24.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Work Schedule
This position begins in June 2026 and ends in September 2026. Hours are variable Monday through Friday, approximately 20 hours per week between the hours of 10:00am-8:00pm.
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.