Garden Facilitator

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 Mass Audubon Camps
Imagine a place where children can develop their interest in the outdoors, play together, and gain comfort and confidence in the natural world. That place is Mass Audubon's summer camp programs. Each day, campers explore and learn in nature, meet new friends, play games, and have fun! Do you want to share your love of nature and build community? Consider joining our camp staff!

About This Position
Boston Nature Center Camp (Mattapan) is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Garden Facilitator to lead hands-on gardening activities for our summer camp program. This position will focus on engaging campers in all aspects of sustainable garden education and cultivation. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers. The Garden Facilitator coordinates the planning, planting and maintenance of the 10 educational plots with the support of the garden educator, the property manager and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate interactive garden lessons, activities, cooking lessons, and crafts appropriate for each age group, ages 4-17
• Manage all aspects of garden planting, harvesting, weeding, and care. Schedule camp groups for garden time and communicate with staff and volunteers about garden
• Provide and create a safe physical and emotional environment for campers and staff
• Additional related duties may be requested such as helping with camper groups and providing additional supervision and support to camp
• Collaborate, support and share feedback with Garden Educator and camp group staff

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 or older
• Have 4 weeks experience working with children (including, but not limited to: babysitting, volunteering, or experience with younger siblings)
• Have 4 weeks of experience working in a garden, farm or similar
• 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
• Be willing to manage a group outdoors for six hours a day in most weather conditions
• 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 a strong interest, education, or experience in Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Health, Food Systems, Biology or related field
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications

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 range is $18.28-$21.00/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
Staff training will be held from June 2-20, 2025. Camp runs from June 23-August 29, 2025. Hours for this position are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. If you have a strong desire to work with campers in an outdoor environment and are interested in learning how to teach and effectively lead groups, please apply.

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.