Teen Leadership Educator

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
Boston Nature Center Camp - Mattapan is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.

Youth participating in the Counselor in Training (CIT) program are ages 14-15 and campers in the Environmental Leadership program are 13-15. The Counselor in Training program is a specialized camp program designed to develop important leadership skills and prepare older campers to help lead camp. The Environmental Leadership program aims to help teens develop leadership skills, examine community resources, and learn about environmental and social justice issues so they can become climate activists in their communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the weekly camp schedule to integrate the CIT’s into group programs
• Coordinate and deliver training to CITs
• Guide the CIT’s through a leadership learning program
• Teach natural history
• Evaluate each CIT during the week on their progress and provide feedback to them
• Support CITs in CIT-led projects
• Create a community with a small group of teens and inspire curiosity
• Teach curriculum including lessons, activities and leadership development opportunities for the Environmental Leadership program for youth ages 13-16 4Support teens to create and carry out climate actions in their communities and learn about the role of a community advocate
• Connect teens with other youth climate activists
• Supervise camper health and safety, pro-actively communicate with caregivers and staff, and provide leadership for campers
• Additional related duties may be requested

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.

Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Must be 18 +
• Have 4+ weeks experience working with middle school and high school aged children (including, but not limited to: babysitting: volunteer or otherwise, and experience with younger siblings)
• Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• Physically access sanctuary terrain easily by foot
• Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment

Desired Qualifications

• Have strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
• Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics
• Prior experience working at a day or resident camp

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon

• Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
• Training in Natural History & Classroom Management

Compensation and Benefits
This position’s pay rate starts at $18.28/hour; actual pay will reflect level of experience, qualifications relative to position requirements, and location of the position. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
There will be 80 hours of training for this position from June 3-June 21, 2024. Camp runs from June 24-August 30, 2024. Hours are Monday-Friday, either 8:00am-4:30pm or 9:30am-6:00pm, with additional hours as needed. Before-camp or after-camp shifts may be assigned weekly.

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.