Preschool Teacher

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
Work with a collaborate group of teachers to grow and support young children in their discovery of the world around them. This flexible part-time position is perfect for young professionals interested in early education or for more seasoned teachers looking for a schedule that fits their daily lives. Located on the grounds of the Boston Nature Center, the nature preschool team has access to 67 acres of wetland, meadows, and forests to utilize as an outdoor classroom. The students, ages 3 to 6 years old, and teachers spend their days exploring and investigating the natural world through a multi-sensory, hands-on, nature-based science curriculum.

BNC is a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values sharing information and life-long learning. As a community, we hold ourselves to high standards of performance. Mass Audubon provides a wealth of professional development opportunities throughout the year that are designed to strengthen and support staff in their various roles in the organization and community. Equity and inclusion are guiding principles in every aspect of our work.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume with your ADP application. Providing a cover letter is always helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Help support and develop nature-based curriculum that reflects the needs of the children, the standards for early childhood education and the mission of Mass Audubon
• Communicate and work cooperatively with the Nature Preschool Director/Lead Teacher and other education staff
• Follow protocols established by Boston Nature Center and EEC regulations
• Help to maintain the physical environment by contributing to housekeeping tasks as needed/requested
• Spend 4 or more hours daily outdoors with the students during all seasons, except during severe weather conditions, with the ability to navigate varied terrain for both land and water learning opportunities
• Maintain a schedule as determined by the Preschool Director
• Communicate and interact with children, parents, and community in a professional manner
• Option to attend Professional Development seminars as determined by Preschool Director
• Acknowledge and respect diversity and promote inclusion of all people regardless of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical and mental disabilities
• Other program responsibilities as needed

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

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old
• Experience working with children 3-5 years old
• A willingness and excitement in spending time outdoors with children
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently
• Demonstrate ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental disabilities
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and commitment to helping others grow in the understanding, relationship, and concern for the environment

Nice to Haves

• EEC Preschool Teacher certification preferred, but not required
• Experience in providing natural science instruction to preschool age children
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $22.07-$24.83/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
This position starts in May 2024 and ends on June 30, 2024 with the option of extending. Hours are up to 40 per week, Monday through Friday. The schedule is flexible: 7:30am-3:30pm, 8:00am-4:00pm, or 10:00am-6:00pm.

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.