Director of Bird Science Program

Position Summary

Pasadena Audubon Society is seeking a part-time Director of the Bird Science Program to lead, teach, and coordinate all aspects of this flagship program. This role combines classroom teaching (approximately 10–12 hours/week) with program administration (8–10 hours/week). The Director reports to the Executive Director and works closely with PAS staff and volunteers.

Our lessons are on birds and conservation and align with the Next Generation Sciences Standards (NGSS). They were adapted from well-established bird education sources, such as Audubon Adventures, and focus on Southern California birds, which are the birds the students are likely to see around them. Some lesson topics include migration, food webs, and vocalizations. Lessons are always activity-based so that students learn by doing.

The Bird Science Program services three PUSD public schools at varying levels of participation. We are currently working with approximately 820 students from TK through fifth grade (including special education classes), in 26 classes at these three schools.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration

• Oversee and coordinate all Bird Science Program classes and field trips.
• Maintain and update lesson plans aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and NGSS.
• Prepare, organize, and replenish classroom/field trip materials.
• Coordinate with schools, teachers, bus companies, and outside vendors.
• Manage program budget, supply purchases, and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with school district requirements (TB test, LiveScan).

Teaching & Field Instruction

• Deliver engaging lessons on birds, habitats, migration, food webs, and conservation.
• Lead activity-based learning experiences in classrooms and on field trips.
• Model enthusiasm for birds and nature to inspire students.
• Maintain strong classroom management.

Qualifications

Required:

• 1+ years of classroom experience teaching elementary school students
• Ability to work onsite in various Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley locations and provide own transportation

Preferred:

• Familiarity with CCSS and NGSS
• Experience with outdoor field trips for elementary school students
• Experience teaching nature/wildlife/biology/ornithology
• Bird and birding knowledge is preferred, but not a must
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

Skills:

• Strong organizational and verbal and written communication abilities
• Classroom management and school administration coordination
• Ability to self-manage and run a program independently
• Familiarity with small non-profit operations

Employment Details

• Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours/week, year-round, with peak hours January–May.
• Pay: $42/hour, paid biweekly; non-exempt.
• Benefits: Accrued paid sick leave in accordance with California law and PTO
• Work Location: Combination of onsite at local schools and field trips in the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley region, and some remote work (i.e., program coordination).
• Employment Status: At-will.

Application Process

• Submit resume and cover letter highlighting teaching and program coordination experience.
• Applications due: October 10, 2025.
• Selected candidates will complete two interviews:
  • Round 1: Remote via Zoom
  • Round 2: In-person interview in Pasadena
• All applicants will be notified of hiring decisions by early November 2025.

Organization: Pasadena Audubon Society

Location: Pasadena, CA and surrounding areas (onsite at schools/field trips; some remote work)

Compensation: $42/hour, non-exempt, part-time (20 hours/week)

Start Date: November 2025

About Pasadena Audubon Society

The Pasadena Audubon Society connects people with birds and nature through education, conservation, and advocacy. Our Bird Science Program brings hands-on, conservation-focused education to elementary students in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), helping children build a lifelong appreciation for nature.

This job is part time, with very flexible summer hours.

Outside of classroom and field trip work, this position is remote.

Proficiency in Spanish is not required, but preferred.