Education Assistant

TITLE: education ASSISTANT

LOCATION: McLane Center – Concord, NH, Massabesic Center – Auburn, NH and various locations throughout the state

HOURS: 25 hours per week, part-time, non-exempt (hourly paid) staff position.

SCHEDULE: Schedule will vary on a weekly basis according to needs and seasons and includes weekends and occasional evenings. Weekend hours are a requirement for this position. Additional hours may be offered in peak seasons.

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by implementing educational programs for school groups, preschool children, adults, teachers, and families.  This position assists with care and management of captive animals including feeding, cleaning, and training.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Education Assistant will support the coordination and implementation of educational programs at various locations throughout the state under the supervision and guidance of the School Programs Coordinator and Public Programs Coordinator:

• Delivering programs to schools and institutions throughout New Hampshire
  • Independently managing Beech Street environmental education program, a monthly, multi-classroom series for second graders at Beech Street Elementary in Manchester, NH including communicating with teachers, finalizing curricula, preparing materials, and following program schedules
• Reviewing, learning, and creating curricula for informal educational programs, including developing and organizing lesson material resources
• Maintaining program statistics database and providing event feedback to supervisors
• Assisting with the growth and implementation of marketing efforts in support of educational programming

The Education Assistant will contribute to the care and management of captive animals under the supervision and guidance of the Animal Programs Curator:

• Feeding all resident animals according to schedule and protocol
• Cleaning all resident animal enclosures according to schedule and protocol
• Organizing and cleaning animal rooms and preparation areas
• Documenting animal behavior and, when relevant, training progression, in a timely, accurate, and clear manner
• Maintaining inventory of animal food products, including frozen mice, fish, quail, fresh vegetables and fruit, and notifying supervisor when supplies are low
• Communicating directly with the Animal Programs Curator regarding questions or problems with the animals

The Education Assistant will greet incidental visitors and provide outreach and general information while at our Centers as a representative of NH Audubon, and may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP: Reports to Director of Education

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity. Our offices are non-smoking, with both open workspaces and private offices. The majority of offsite program locations are within sixty miles of either our Concord or Auburn centers, however, occasionally the employee may be asked to travel to more remote locations within New Hampshire. Reliable transportation is required and mileage is reimbursed.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in Natural History, Environmental Education, Education or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience: Two to three years’ experience with environmental education. Experience with public speaking and delivering presentations to groups of multiple ages. Demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions. Must have experience with MS Office products. Animal care experience preferred.  Curriculum development experience desirable.

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and a high degree of organization. Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm, with a sincere interest in the natural environment or education is necessary. Must be able to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, have a positive attitude, provide excellent customer service skills, and consistently operate with a professional and courteous manner. Applicants must be able to pass a background check.

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following requirements apply: standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be able to climb stairs, be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks under extended heavy pressure, and function in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum age required: 18

COMPENSATION: Compensation for this hourly, part-time position is $16 – $19 an hour, commensurate with experience. This position is also eligible for vacation and sick time, paid holidays, tax deferred retirement plan, a free NH Audubon annual membership ($60 value), access to pro deals and employee discounts. Mileage for travel to programs is reimbursed at current Federal rates.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. 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.