Maine Audubon seeks an enthusiastic and passionate Field Naturalist for the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, the organization’s flagship campus. Maine Audubon‘s mission of conserving Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat, for many, begins with a visit to a nature center or joining a program led by a naturalist. Maine Audubon also fields natural history questions from the public, some of which come in via calls or visits to Gilsland Farm. This position will support public-facing staff with natural history expertise, while also developing and leading walks and other programs that highlight Gilsland Farm as a rich resource for many diverse people and communities. While based primarily at Gilsland Farm, the position will also include periodic travel to other sites for partner programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as onsite natural history resource for staff, volunteers, and visitors at Maine Audubon’s headquarters, Gilsland Farm, in Falmouth, ME
• Lead/teach walks, workshops, and programs on a broad range of natural history topics, primarily focused on birds and plants, for a wide range of audiences, with emphasis on reaching adult audiences and making programs more accessible and inclusive
• Respond to questions and contacts from our members, public, media and staff regarding wildlife and natural history
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop materials for the website, monthly newsletters, and quarterly magazine, and other informational channels
• Support programs administration, as well as other departments, as needed

Qualifications

• Well-grounded field knowledge of natural history of Maine
• Must be familiar with Maine birds by sight (and preferably sound) to be able to lead birding walks or field trips
• Excellent working knowledge of iNaturalist, eBird, and other community science tools
• Knowledge of literature and resources on local natural history
• Strong communication skills, including written, oral, and interpersonal
• Exceptional interpretation skills, adept at customizing content to engage diverse audiences effectively
• Good sense of humor, flexibility, and desire to help
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workplace applications
• Training, certification, and/or experience in wilderness first aid and CPR a plus. Must obtain or sustain that training/certification with Maine Audubon support.
• Comfort with risk management for program participants in unpredictable field conditions
• Multilingual applicants desired

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Availability and willingness to work irregular work hours, including weekends and evenings
• Ability to climb stairs, walk, and hike on uneven, rocky and/or slippery surfaces
• Ability to carry a field pack of books, first aid kit, etc.
• Ability to drive a vehicle
• Ability to use computer

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

• This position is year-round and will entail at least 30 hours per week via a varied schedule which includes some weekends and evenings. As such, the position is also eligible for full benefits including health insurance, paid time off, contribution to retirement savings, and employee discount programs. We will also consider applications from highly qualified candidates seeking fewer hours per week or more seasonal variability.
• Hourly rate: $21/hour