About This Position
Mass Audubon is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization and to providing greater access to nature for everyone. Part of this work requires us to address the historic inequities within the environmental and conservation fields, which is why we launched the Environmental Fellowship Program for Early Careers (EFP). The EFP is a unique program designed to increase pathways into environmental professions for people whose identities have been historically underrepresented. Each 14-month fellowship is hosted within one of four departments/teams: Land Conservation, Conservation Science, Environmental Education, or Nature in the City. Our fellows will have the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time while working alongside a passionate and dedicated team of professionals. In addition to professional experience, the fellows are given opportunities for networking, mentoring, and skill development within a supportive cohort model.

Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda is a five-year plan to address the rapid loss of wildlife habitat, inequitable access to nature, and the threat of climate change. The Nature in The City program is a call to action to address the inequitable distribution of nature in Massachusetts through protecting, restoring and activating urban greenspaces in Massachusetts’ cities. This effort involves partnering with government, nonprofit, community-based organizations, and residents to achieve sustainable cities. With emphasis on all city residents having equitable access to safe and vibrant greenspaces, the program works to protect greenspaces that provide places to connect to nature, relax, recreate and build community. Positive outcomes consist of reducing flooding by managing stormwater, providing space for neighbors to grow food, and building habitats that attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

The Fellow would support the Nature in the City Program and have a diverse set of experiences which could include: assisting in urban greenspace identification, supporting city-based community engagement, applying urban ecology principles, and conducting urban planning policy analysis. Current projects that an Environmental Fellow may participate in include Boston urban forestry (community engagement, urban forestry, GIS mapping, tree planting and care education), statewide analysis of urban land conservation opportunities, and more. Standard tasks could consist of assisting with community partner power-mapping, identifying and mapping potential urban greenspaces, developing outreach strategies to promote NITC, and conducting ongoing research on urban land conservation trends in Massachusetts and nationwide. The Fellow would influence their own work plan based on their existing skill base and interest in the field of urban conservation.

Responsibilities
Primary duties and responsibilities will be divided (70%) between participating in Nature in the City work through collaboration with an interdisciplinary team on different projects. Additional time will be allotted (30%) for professional development, mentoring, and professional projects. 

The Environmental Fellow will assist the Nature in the City Program staff on the following tasks: 

Boston Urban Forestry 

• Outreach to community-based and nonprofit organizations publicizing the tree planting and care program and encouraging involvement
• Educational materials development and coordination of programs around tree planting and care for residents and landowners
• Assessment of proposed tree planting locations on private land and maintenance of the GIS-based tree tracking system alongside the urban ecologist
• Meeting preparation and coordination, community engagement activities, and other tasks to support the Boston Community Engagement Coordinator 

NITC Program 

• Statewide community partner power-mapping which would include staff interviews, database management, and internet research
• Evaluation of urban greenspaces using established metrics and selection criteria, which would include exposure to implementation of urban land conservation and protection principles
• Urban planning policy analysis in select cities to determine a city’s readiness for urban land conservation efforts
• Ongoing research on urban land conservation trends in Massachusetts and nationwide
• Collaboration with NITC Program staff on the strategy and direction of the program

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

• Must obtain a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the fellowship; degrees or fields of study especially suitable for this work include: Biology, Education, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Ecology, Earth Science, Political Science, Urban Planning, or related field
• Strongly values the critical role that community engagement and environmental education programs play in helping to build healthy, vibrant and equitable communities
• Enthusiasm for designing inclusive and equitable learning experiences that support connection to nature and learning about the interdependence of people and nature
• Excellent writing and speaking skills 
• A growth mindset, with the ability to be self-reflective and an eagerness to improve one’s own skills
• Strong project management skills
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)

Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
• Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel throughout the state 
• First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed)