Delaware River Watershed Fellowship 2021 at The Discovery Center
Job Description
Audubon Pennsylvania is a member of the Alliance for Watershed Education, (AWE), a coalition of 23 environmental education centers focused on constituency building and stewardship of the Delaware River Watershed. Centers in the Alliance are connected by the Circuit Trails, the regional trail network of multi-use bike/pedestrian trails and waterways (rivers, streams, creeks.) The Alliance seeks to hire
young people at each center, for a 12-week summer fellowship designed to advance the collective impact across the watershed.
Audubon Mid-Atlantic (AMA) mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, we focus our efforts in priority watersheds and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, site of the Discovery Center (a partnership with Philadelphia Outward Bound School),
which opened in September of 2018. APA works closely with partnering agencies and organizations to engage Philadelphia citizens in habitat restoration, conservation, stewardship, and educational opportunities, which increase and improve habitat around the city and connect more people with nature.
Position Summary:
The Delaware River Watershed Fellow will serve as an ambassador for Audubon Pennsylvania and the Delaware River watershed by engaging our watershed community, inspiring watershed stewardship and helping APA reach and engage new and underserved audiences. By the end of the 12 weeks of service, Fellows will have become local watershed ambassadors in their community and will have introduced many new people to their local trails, waterways, and environmental center, as well as the steps they can take to help restore and protect the Delaware River watershed.
Position Location: The Discovery Center. 3401 Reservoir Drive Philadelphia, PA. The Watershed Fellow will spend much of their time in the field, and in Strawberry Mansion neighborhood.
Duties:
– Engage target communities (Strawberry Mansion) in the Philadelphia through stewardship, education, recreation and civic engagement.
– Required to participate in a 3-day supportive watershed stewardship training at Pocono Environmental Education Center (overnight, June 16-18.) http://www.peec.org/
– Fellows will be expected to participate in weekly webinars and check-ins.
– Fellows will attend 2 (two) in-person regional meetings.
– Complete a required Capstone project to be presented at the end of season Watershed Fellowship Summit, August 20. This individual project will help enhance network goals, deepen the connection and engagement of trail and water users and expand watershed protection and restoration.
– Represent Audubon Pennsylvania at resource fairs and festivals around Philadelphia.
– Assist with leading environmental education and programming in targeted communities.
– Explore ways to engage new and diverse communities, including underrepresented audiences in the city.
– Assist with volunteer events.
– Assist in communication with Audubon’s constituents via targeted emails and publications.
– Monitor and document restoration site conditions, and make recommendations on maintenance.
– Complete other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience:
– Age 18 by June 7 start date.
– Must be people oriented, have a team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Pennsylvania and the network to the public.
– Excellent oral and written communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity also necessary.
– A positive attitude and good sense of humor, as well as comfort working independently as a leader and part of a team, when needed.
– Ability to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment and juggle multiple, changing priorities; strong time and project management skills needed. Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
– Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
– Must have access to reliable vehicle OR proficient with public transportation.
– Audubon Pennsylvania is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women.
Essential dates
– June 7, 2021: Fellow start date.
– June 16 – 18: Required Watershed Stewardship Training (overnight) at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Food, transportation and accommodations provided.)
– July regional Meeting (July 7)
– August regional Meeting (August 4)
– August 20: Watershed Fellowship Summit (location TBA).
How to apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Damien Ruffner
Center Manager
The Discovery Center
Damien.Ruffner@audubon.org
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
People of color, minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply