Seasonal Naturalist

Position Summary

Audubon’s Seabird Institute is one of four pillars of National Audubon Society’s Coasts strategy. The program combines conservation science as well as education and outreach with the advocacy might of Audubon’s network to protect seabirds and the places they need. The Seabird Institute engages hundreds of visitors through its work at the Hog Island Audubon Camp.

As there is no regular boat transportation service to and from Hog Island and the mainland, the Naturalist is required to live in housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Audubon will provide the Naturalist with a private room with shared bathroom. Meals are provided on Hog Island when the kitchen is in operation. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, and the day revolves around camp programming on a six-day/ five-night program schedule that includes early morning bird walks, day trips and evening lectures. Weekend work is required. Some weeks will not include a full schedule and full hours may not be expected all weeks. Work at other Seabird Institute facilities and programs is possible during times when camp is not in session.

Start Date: May 6, 2024

End Dates:
September (flexible ending date)

Compensation:

$17.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Work alongside the Head Chef to prepare balanced healthy meals, snacks, and desserts for up to 80 people (Hog Island staff, FOHI volunteers, and participants) for all scheduled Audubon Camp sessions and special events;

• Assist with set up and close down of kitchen operations at beginning and end of the camp sessions;

• Provide complete oversight and independent preparation of at least one meal per day to be determined by Head Chef; assist with a second meal;

• Assist in overseeing dining room activities and take full responsibility of the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef;

• Help ensure a safe environment with adherence to, and enforcement of safety protocols;

• Ensure the health and safety of all diners, by understanding and accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies;

• Create and use environmentally friendly methods (composting, etc.) that reflect Audubon’s ethos as an environmental organization;

• Assist the Head Chef and FOHI Volunteer Coordinator with the direction of volunteers when they are providing assistance in the kitchen or dining room areas (including meal prep assistance and after-meal clean-up);

• Help to present the kitchen’s sustainability and service mission to diners on a regular basis.

• Participate in weekly meetings with the Hog Island staff.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, education, or related field. Equivalent experience in these fields will be considered in combination with some education.

• Experience developing and leading outdoor activities, working with all ages.

• Strong group management skills; ability to guide a group of up to 25 people of all ages.

• Love of outdoor exploration and questioning; ability to model curiosity and wonder about the natural world.

• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, and occasionally carry field equipment, with or without accommodation. Must be able to stand for extensive periods of time, lift up to 30lbs repeatedly throughout the day and walk over 2 miles at a time.

• Must be able to pass a federal background check.

• Must have a valid U.S. Driver’s License.

• Ideal candidates would work May 6 to September 27, 2025 but some flexibility can occur with start and end dates.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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Salary : $17