Field Teacher
Job Description
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
We are seeking enthusiastic educators with a love for nature to lead field trips at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (Barnstable, MA) and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Wellfleet, MA), outreach school programs in classrooms across the Cape, and community group and family programs. Field teachers work closely with year-round education staff to provide hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that teach standards-aligned science content and practices. Long Pasture and Wellfleet Bay are home to a variety of coastal habitats, including salt marsh, sandy beach, and tidal flats, as well as forest and freshwater wetlands. Programs teach participants about Cape Cod wildlife, habitats, and conservation through guided hikes and engaging classroom visits and help to bring science to life while creating lasting memories in nature for the schools and groups we serve.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
- Lead hands-on, inquiry-based school programs (field trips and outreach to schools) for local students and teachers across the Cape (currently serving districts from Provincetown to Falmouth)
- Work with our school programs team to ensure that the highest level of programming is consistently delivered to our school audiences
- Become familiar with and teach a variety of environmental education lessons and activities which promote scientific literacy and appreciation for the natural world
- Teach afterschool programs, vacation week camps, youth and family group programs
- Maintain and update curricula and instructional materials and equipment as part of the school programs team
- Attend and actively participate in regional and departmental staff meetings, and PK12 professional development
- Monitor program participants in indoor and outdoor environments and maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority
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. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
- At least 18 years of age
- Experience teaching and working with children in outdoor, school, or camp settings
- A love of nature and teaching outdoors
- Excellent teaching and interpretive skills and experience and comfort with instructional technologies
- Skills and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in inclusion
- Interest and experience with natural history, environmental education and/or science education
- Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as a positive contributor to a team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in office software applications
- Hold current (or willingness to obtain) certifications in community CPR and First Aid (child and adult levels)
Nice to Haves
- Experience working with English Language Learners (ELL) populations
- Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
- Experience in early childhood education
- Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching or other equity-based pedagogy
- Experience delivering urban environmental education programming or equivalent
- Familiarity with Massachusetts Science Frameworks
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $19.00-$21.00 per hour; actual rate of pay will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Work Schedule
We are hiring four seasonal, part-time positions. Hours are based on program needs and may range from 0-20 hours per week. Most work is available during peak field trip seasons (September-November and April-June), when employees typically work 10-20 hours per week. Limited hours are generally available from December-March. Programs are usually scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, with occasional Saturday opportunities.
Position Terms:
- 1 position: September 2026-June 2027
- 1 position: September-November 2026
- 2 positions: March-June 2027
Please indicate in your application which season(s) you are interested in.
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.
