Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park
- At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature.
- Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
- We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
- We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
- We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
- At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
- As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
- The Camp and Family Programs Coordinator (“Coordinator”) is a key member of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) team at Audubon Zoo and contributes to our mission by creating, delivering and leading informal camp & family programming at Audubon Zoo.
- The coordinator plays a key role in creating memorable mission-based connections and experiences for children and families in our community by developing, delivering, and evaluating on-site camp and family programs including Summer Camp, Holiday Camps, After-Hours Events, and other family-based programming.
- As a member of the L&E Department, this position will participate in and support other educational and volunteer programming, including daytime and after-hours programming at the Zoo needed.
- The Camp and Family Programs Coordinator may support other programming needs in the L&E department as needed.
Day to Day Responsibilities
- Creating and delivering curriculum for camps, family, and scout programs
- Coordinating camp communications including management of the camp email and phone
- Tracking and collecting payments as needed from camp families
- Collaborating and communicating with other teams within L&E and with other departments at the Zoo to coordinate and support programming
- Setting and cleaning up programs spaces and ensuring supplies are stocked and available
- Assisting in supervision and training of youth volunteers, adult volunteers and interns
- Supporting the Learning Programs Manager in the oversight and coordination of seasonal staff
- Assuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed
- Facilitating program evaluations and feedback
- May be required to present live animals during programming (training will be provided)
- Covering programming after-hours, on weekends, and some holidays
- May act as Manager-on-Duty for camp or after-hours program operations in absence of the Learning Programs Manager
Additional/Overall Skills:
- Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
- Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
- Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
- Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
- The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- Must Haves: (required for the role)
- 1-3 years working experience in a formal or informal learning environment and demonstrated experience with classroom management
- Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and implementation
- Demonstrated experience in effective coordination and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
- Experience handling animals or ability to learn to handle animals that may include reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively
- Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills
- Must be able to work holidays, weekend and after-hour events
- Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.
- Experience with outdoor education and/or camp programming
- Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
- Experience with program and curriculum evaluation
- Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion
- Experience with education materials management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication
- Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.
- Ability to pass annual TB tests.
- Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
- Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.
- Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing.
- Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.
- Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds.
- Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.
- Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.
Environmental Conditions:
- May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity
- Works effectively in a moderately noisy office
- Constant contact with co-workers required
- Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required
- Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required