Visitor Experience Associate Jobs Near Me

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

In coordination with the Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC) Engagement Team, the Senior Associate, Community Building connects communities to nature through environmental education and engagement. This role develops and leads educational programs, field trips, and camps while supporting and leading programs to enhance the full visitor experience, including public programming, events, and front desk engagement. The associate builds meaningful relationships with community-based organizations, schools, and colleges throughout Central Ohio. In partnership with the Manager, Community Building-Ohio Centers and the Senior Manager, Community Building, Ohio Centers, this position collaborates with center staff, volunteers, and interns/externs to co-design and deliver relevant programs and stewardship activities that engage targeted communities with the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and other local nature areas.

This position is classified as on-site at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus, Ohio and the role typically works Monday through Friday, with occasional work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation:

$27.50 - $28.50 / hour

Essential Functions

• Develop and lead Conservation Classroom programs aligned with school standards, as well as field trips, Audubon Adventure summer camp, bird walks, sustainability building tours, and special events.

• Develop and lead public programming and events.

• Design and deliver stewardship programs and community engagement opportunities that connect diverse audiences to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and other natural areas across Central Ohio.

• In partnership with GIAC management, build trusting, collaborative relationships with community partners and local leaders.

• Coordinate interns, externs, student capstone projects, episodic and long-term volunteers, lead volunteer workdays, and determine appropriate tasks while overseeing their conservation and community science on-site work

• Work with Engagement team to organize the monthly craft area.

• Responsible for program evaluations

• Work closely with the Manager, Community Building, Ohio Centers to develop outreach strategies and materials, including content for social media and promotional publications that highlight events and community partnerships.

• Ensure all grant deliverables are fully executed and actively support fundraising and donor cultivation.

• Representing Ohio Centers at speaker events including off site presentations, workshops and school programs.

• Lead and foster relationships with community partners.

• Work with GIAC Engagement staff to develop community outreach strategies and represent the center at meetings and offsite partner events.

• Ensure the safety of program participants and volunteers by complying with all Audubon safety policies and procedures.

• Maintain administrative documentation, communicate schedules, use appropriate administrative and program tools, and develop meeting agendas as needed.

• Assist with center daily operations (opening, closing, covering the front desk, and staff on duty) and basic facility needs including engaging with visitors at the front desk.

• Oversee and carry out animal care for all center ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning, budget oversight, ordering food and supplies, coordinating veterinary care, renewing permits, and maintaining records.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, education, natural resources, or related field.

• Three years of relevant experience in formal or informal education, environmental education, interpretation, visitor engagement, programming, outreach, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• A basic familiarity with birds and native plants of the region and an enthusiasm for outdoor activities desired.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate diverse audiences.

• Familiarity with local schools, community organizations, and faith-based organizations in Central Ohio.

• Must be well organized and responsible with the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

• Must have a strong desire to educate, engage, and connect diverse audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on youth, to Ohio's natural resources in ways that inspire participation and action.

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact positively with everyday visitors and program participants alike, serving as a role model.

• Must have sound judgment and the ability to recognize hazards in program settings, as well as signs of injury or illness among visitors and program participants.

• Be able to observe program attendee behavior, to respond verbally to health or safety concerns, and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior.

• Must be self-motivated, flexible and able to think strategically and creatively, multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation, required.

• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities.

• Excellent organizational skills related to the instruction of children and families.

• High degree of personal initiative, flexibility, energy, and sound judgment when working with children.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and climb or traverse both paved and unpaved, uneven trails and be able to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, kneel, reach and twist with or without accommodation.

• Have current certification in First Aid and CPR or ability to acquire certification upon hire.

• Must have a valid driver's license to drive own vehicle to off-site programs and events throughout Columbus and occasionally Central Ohio.

This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA)

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org.This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.