Naturalist / Visitor Services Associate

Fields Pond Audubon Center

Maine Audubon’s mission is to conserve Maine’s wildlife and habitat through conservation, education, and advocacy. The Naturalist/Visitor Services Associate leads and expands mission-based programming in the northern region of the state.  This public-facing position, based at the Fields Pond Audubon Center, will convey Maine’s natural history through a wide array of public programming. These programs are designed to instill fascination, understanding, and responsibility for the natural world, environmental sustainability, and human impacts.  The position works closely with our Director of Northern Programs and Operations to develop new programs and maintain nature center operations and facilities.

Essential Duties (under the supervision of the Director of Northern Programs and Operations):

• Develop and implement inclusive programs that support children, families, adults, and/or seniors in our community to engage with Maine Audubon’s mission.
  • Lead/teach walks, workshops, and programs on a broad range of natural history topics, for a wide range of audiences, with emphasis on reaching adult audiences and making programs more inclusive and accessible.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Staff Naturalist to coordinate statewide programming.
  • Coordinate Bringing Nature Home programs and events at Fields Pond, in collaboration with the Bringing Nature Home Manager.
  • Develop new programmatic opportunities through creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Ensure the visitor services experience of all visitors to the Fields Pond Nature Center is welcoming, educational and reflects Maine Audubon mission.
  • Maintain and develop educational displays in nature center & other visitor contact points (e.g. information kiosks, bulletin boards).
• Serve as onsite (Fields Pond) natural history resource for staff, volunteers, and visitors at the Fields Pond Nature Center.
  • Respond (in person, phone, online) to questions and contacts from members, public, media, and staff regarding wildlife and natural history within 24 hours of receipt.
  • Support other staff with background/content resources.
• In collaboration with Maine Audubon’s Retail Manager, manage Nature Center retail operations to support mission and programmatic goals.
  • Organize floor stock and back stock, coordinate with Retail Manager on inventory needs and sales, connect displays to program topic areas
  • In collaboration with Maine Audubon’s Retail Manager, manage Nature Center retail operations to support mission and programmatic goals.
• Assist with building rentals.
• Maintain Nature Center visitor services and building operations.
  • Ensure that the operational building hours are staffed and clearly communicated to the public.
  • Ensure that the building and visitor service areas are regularly maintained at a high-level of cleanliness and function.
• Model safe and responsible behavior during outdoor activities.
  • Maintain current first aid & CPR certifications.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Essential Qualifications:

• Background in education, nature programs, biology, or environmental studies
• Extensive knowledge of Maine’s natural history and ecology
• Must be familiar with Maine birds by sight/sound to lead bird walks & field trips
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail and follow-up
• Skilled with computer software applications and online meeting/teaching platforms
• Have (or able to work towards) current First Aid and CPR certification
• Enthusiastic and passionate about environmental education
• Able to multi-task and manage a variety of responsibilities
• Able to pass a criminal background check

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds when setting up for programs or working on the property.
• Able to hike all trails on Fields Pond property as part of programing and stewardship.
• Able to use hands/fingers to operate computer and other program equipment.
• Able to work outdoors in challenging environmental conditions.

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits:

• Hours will vary depending on season but will average 32 hrs./week annually. This is a site-based position, which will include some weekends.
• Maine Audubon offers a full benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, contribution to retirement savings, and employee discount programs.
• Salary range: $18 – $21 per hour.