Teacher Naturalist II

The Teacher Naturalist II at Mass Audubon in Topsfield, MA, develops and teaches environmental education programs for various audiences. Responsibilities include curriculum development, program coordination, community engagement, and budget management. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of experience in environmental education. It emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and safety while representing Mass Audubon's mission.
About the position

The Teacher Naturalist II at Mass Audubon is responsible for developing and teaching educational programs focused on environmental science, climate change, and conservation for various audiences, including K-12 students and adults. This role involves significant program coordination, curriculum development, and community engagement, while also supervising seasonal educators and managing program budgets. The Teacher Naturalist II serves as a resource for environmental issues and represents Mass Audubon's mission and programs to the community.

Responsibilities
• Develop and implement lessons and activities for specific audiences and/or focus areas with demonstrated skills in educational program design and best teaching practices in environmental education.
,
• Conduct evaluation of programs in accordance with statewide Education Department guidelines and practices.
,
• Collaborate with peers to annually review program portfolio and make program refinements based on data results.
,
• Serve as a trusted resource on natural science, conservation science issues including climate change and biodiversity, and Mass Audubon's legislative priorities for visitors, program participants, other staff, and volunteers.
,
• Effectively communicate and represent Mass Audubon's mission, vision, and programs to visitors, members, and community members.
,
• Maintain educational supplies, curricula, instructional materials, and resources.
,
• Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, and maintaining strong accountability to Mass Audubon risk management policies, child safe environment guidelines, as well as all pertinent licensing regulations and accreditation standards.
,
• Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and marketing of assigned educational programs.
,
• Work with members of regional education team to maintain accurate records of programs and program participants.
,
• Provide work direction for part-time staff or regularly scheduled field teachers or volunteers.
,
• Monitor program income and expenses in a budget up to $100,000 and communicate with supervisor regarding variances.
,
• Participate in planning, writing, and preparation of marketing materials for assigned audiences.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree related to environmental education, environmental science, climate change or similar degree.
,
• Five or more years combined experience in environmental education, science education, and/or science curriculum development and evaluation.
,
• Work experience in an educational setting (classroom experience or informal learning environment).
,
• Knowledge and experience utilizing best practices in positive youth development and asset-based, culturally responsive approach to education.
,
• Demonstrated ability to promote, embrace, and respect ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity and physical and intellectual disabilities.
,
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of perspectives and facilitate an inclusive and collaborative team environment.
,
• Strong project management experience, including budget development and oversight.

Nice-to-haves
• Direct work experience working with teens and young adults focused on climate change action, or related environmental action work.
,
• Demonstrated commitment to working in partnership with environmental justice and frontline communities to understand local climate impacts and support action on climate change.
,
• Ability to establish positive Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities related to conservation and biodiversity of urban, suburban, and/or rural areas.
,
• Proficiency or working knowledge of a second language, in addition to English.
,
• Experience supporting the development and implementation of grant-funded projects.
,
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, videoconferencing applications, and networking/workshare applications (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft Teams).

Benefits