Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The Fields Pond Audubon Center has hosted a nature center, school programs, nature tours, community science, interpretation, and other environmental education and community engagement programs in the greater Bangor area for 30 years.
As a public-facing position, the Field Naturalist represents Maine Audubon to visitors at our Fields Pond Center and during local outreach programming.
Essential Duties:
- Staffing the Nature Center building during public open hours.
- Developing and leading engaging, seasonally based, nature programming for both adults & children. (On-site & remote)
- Ensure the experience of all visitors to the Fields Pond Nature Center is welcoming, educational and reflects Maine Audubon’s mission.
- Maintain and develop educational displays in our nature center & other visitor contact points (e.g. information kiosks, bulletin boards).
- Serve as onsite (Fields Pond) natural history resource for staff, volunteers, and visitors at the Fields Pond Nature Center. This includes leading nature walks or other programming.
- Ensure that the building/grounds and visitor service areas are regularly maintained at a high-level of cleanliness and function.
- Nature Store operations: including sales & inventory support, operating a cash register/POS system, handling cash, counting change and performing basic math.
- Manage visitor & customer interactions across multiple channels, such as phone & email.
- Assist with building rentals.
Essential Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- High level of knowledge of Maine’s natural history (especially birds).
- Organized and detail oriented
- Ability to understand visitor needs and resolve issues effectively/positively
- Patience and adaptability
- Ability to convey information clearly
- Knowledge of computer & A/V equipment
- First Aid / CPR training & certifications
- We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not precisely match the job description.
Education & Experience:
- An undergrad degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or environmental education is required.
- Experience with Maine’s Natural History (flora and/or fauna).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
- Ability to walk and stand for extended periods over rough terrain and uneven ground as part of programming and stewardship.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and reach.
- Ability to use hands/fingers to operate computer and other program equipment.
- Ability to work outdoors occasionally in challenging environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).
Timing, Compensation, and Benefits
- This is a part-time (25 hours per week), year-round position.
- Site-based position, which will include some weekends & evenings (depending on program schedule).
- Rate of pay: $21 per hour
- Paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays.
- Eligible to enroll in dental and vision insurance. Automatic enrollment in Life/AD&D as well as short- and long-time disability insurances.
- Enrollment in Maine Audubon’s 403b retirement plan upon meeting eligibility requirements.
- Maine Audubon membership and discount on nature store items.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to: [email protected], with “Naturalist” in the subject line. Review of applications will be ongoing until a suitable candidate is found. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but believe that you would be a good fit for this position. Applicants may use basic editing tools (e.g., spellcheck), but generative AI may not be used to create or draft resumes or cover letters. This helps ensure all candidates are evaluated based on their own qualifications.
Maine Audubon celebrates and embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members as well as those who are considering joining our team. If you require an accommodation to participate in our application, interviewing, and hiring process, please contact Trish Hansen, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected] or by calling 207-781-2330 ext. 246. Maine Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We do not discriminate on the basis age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, HIV status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, familial status, domestic violence victim status, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Pay: $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
