The Education Specialist will facilitate programming primarily at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary (ELMNS) with occasional travel to Houston Audubon’s other sanctuaries and sites around Greater Houston-Galveston region. This role is essential in fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and promoting engagement with diverse audiences. Responsibilities include program development and delivery, volunteer supervision, facility coordination, and administration of nature education activities.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate engaging educational programs that promote bird, wildlife, and habitat conservation for diverse audiences through onsite, offsite, and virtual formats.
• Design and deliver high-quality nature education programs for youth, ensuring alignment with state and national education standards.
• Coordinate and lead interpretive nature tours and public programs at Houston Audubon sanctuaries and regional sites.
• Collaborate with and support Environmental Educator/Coordinator.
• Serve as Camp Director for youth day camps, including curriculum development, staff/volunteer recruitment, training, and oversight.
• Facilitate community programming such as Avian Academy, Cabin Coffee & Conversations, Bird-Friendly Communities workshops, and Night Hikes.
• Collaborate with Operations and Communications to maintain educational exhibits, displays, and mission-driven messaging at the historic log cabin at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary (ELMNS).
• Build and maintain community partnerships to expand program reach and support Houston Audubon initiatives.
• Represent Houston Audubon at public events, meetings, and conferences, and serve as spokesperson for media inquiries when requested.
• Support educational programming for annual Bird Week and other special events in collaboration with outreach staff.
• Write blogs, develop promotional materials, and assist with communication efforts to broaden awareness and participation.
• Train and supervise education volunteers, volunteer naturalists, and camp staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers serving as stewards during cabin open hours.
• Support open cabin hours, visitor engagement, and the cabin nature shop in collaboration with Operations and Marketing.
• In tandem with the Outreach & Engagement Director, manage scheduling, calendars, and logistics for cabin-based programs and events.
• Collect program fees and execute program surveys.
• Maintain accurate records, and support grant reporting as needed.
• Ensure visitor safety and adherence to sanctuary rules, maintaining a respectful environment for both guests and wildlife.
• Maintain active CPR/First Aid certification and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Work Schedule
This role requires flexibility, with a standard schedule of Tuesday–Saturday. While primarily onsite, remote work may be accommodated on an as-needed basis.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental/Science, Education, or Natural Science fields such as Biology, Zoology.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the following: delivering educational presentations to audiences of all ages, aptitudes, and sizes, including large crowds.
• Field experience or job experience that includes public engagement and interpreting nature; plus, a desire to connect people to nature.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• General knowledge of birds and avian natural history.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently in a fast-paced environment, all while exercising discretion and personal judgment.
• A self-starter, who takes initiative and demonstrates dedication; a problem-solver who seeks solutions.
• Be willing to work with others including team teaching in a supportive, respectful, and friendly manner
• Possess the ability to teach curricula in a creative, enthusiastic, and educational manner to preK-12
• Willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions
• Must be people oriented, have a team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Houston Audubon to the public.
• Commitment to conservation and the Audubon mission.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and comfortable using AV equipment (including PA systems).
• Strong organizational skills and work ethic.
• Ability to use social media sites to promote programs and the mission of Houston Audubon.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and current insurance.
• Must be available for occasional evening programs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and lead moderate to strenuous trail hikes.
• Ability to acquire First Aid and CPR certification within 60 days as provided by Houston Audubon.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Texas Master Naturalist
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)
• Knowledge of native Texas flora and fauna.
• Solid bird identification skills in the field.

All Houston Audubon staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background and criminal record check.

Houston Audubon is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to fostering and nurturing an organizational culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within our workplace and sanctuaries, and in our work in the community. We believe that the rich blend of ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints that come with diversity are essential to our long-term success. Our values and actions reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion of all as reflected in our hiring practices, team interaction, and outreach and engagement at large.