Community Conservation Fellow
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
The goal is to engage the surrounding communities and neighborhoods in Bird-Friendly Communities activities, increase neighborhood participation, and engage local leaders and stakeholders in meaningful ways. With mentorship from Audubon staff, the Fellow will contribute to conservation and outreach work at the Audubon Center at Debs Park. As a part-time employee, the Fellow will work with youth programming (14-21) for a whole school year. Throughout the season, the Fellow will receive training and the skills necessary to work with youth and community members in hands-on habitat restoration, leadership development, community stewardship, and advocacy. Through center-based programming, fellows will practice and develop skills by working with youth and communities – building up student leaders, advocates, and land stewards. Fellows will co-design series of outdoor community events and projects that target diverse, multi-generational audiences with center leadership and staff.
This job requires a culturally competent, organized, and responsible person who is an excellent communicator who can work effectively as part of a team and independently. The successful applicant must have a willingness to learn, teach, and share actively with community groups. This position is on-site at Audubon California Debs Park, 4700 Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Compensation:
- Be a representative of Audubon when dealing with visitors and program attendees.
- Lead restoration activities around the center and nearby project sites.
- Lead and assist community nature event offerings, such as bird and nature walks.
- With the help of the Public Programs Manager, co-lead youth component at Audubon’s annual Advocacy Day.
- Present interactive workshops and demonstrations as needed for Center special events and Youth programming.
- Create plant lists and track the maintenance progress of restoration sites.
- Inventory and maintain garden tools and other equipment.
- Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency.
- Assist with training new volunteers in restoration practices, including tools safety overview and shadowing.
- Assist in assigning Restoration Lead Volunteers tasks to help with nursery work and site upkeep.
- Assist with opening and closing the Center and covering the Welcome Center as needed.
- Desire to engage with others, with an emphasis on young people, about conservation and the natural world.
- Self-driven and proactive.
- Willingness to spend time periods outside in varied weather conditions.
- Possess communication and motivational skills to lead small group events and activities.
- Experience/ability in teaching or working with diverse audiences.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Excellent oral communication skills.
- Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for detail.
- A minimum of one year of relevant job or volunteer experience in outreach, organizing, communication, education, or conservation. Or a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree focusing on or interest in environmental, climate change, marine or coastal, administrative, land use law, or other relevant topics.
- Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word.
- Available to work Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and some evenings as needed.
- Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish.