Become a Volunteer Educator

Share your passion for nature, science, and birds as a Volunteer Educator with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies!

Volunteer Educators are essential to the Bird Conservancy’s efforts to instill a conservation ethic in people of all ages through interactive learning experiences using birds as the “hook.” As a Volunteer Educator, you will assist the education team with in-class programs and field trips during the school year, and educational outreach events in the Denver Metro area throughout the year to teach about the importance of bird conservation. You can learn more about our programs here.

Why Volunteer With Us?

  • Enhance your knowledge of the natural world through training and continuing education opportunities
  • Gain valuable and rewarding experience as an informal educator
  • Be part of a community that cares about the environment and inspires others to appreciate it
  • Be a role model for students and connect them to nature through hands-on, engaging experiences

Training
Bird Conservancy Volunteer Educators receive classroom and in-the-field training. We also ask that all volunteers ‘shadow’ other educators before teaching on their own. Training is typically held at the Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, Colorado. Training topics include:

  • Basic ecology and ornithology
  • Lesson plans and program overviews
  • Teaching strategies, program structuring and public speaking tips
  • Opportunities to practice the skills and information acquired

Requirements and Expectations
No experience is required to become an Volunteer Educator! We look for volunteers who demonstrate a willingness to recognize and embrace teachable moments, lead students using interactive techniques and open-ended questioning, and enjoy working with all ages. Other requirements include:

  • Attend initial training and at least two continuing education sessions each year
  • Commit to a volunteering 20 hours per year as an Education Volunteer
  • Pass a background check and drug screen, and sign all liability waivers

What we expect of our volunteers:

  • Serve as an ambassador for Bird Conservancy and our education programs
  • While volunteering, observe all policies and procedures outlined in training and the Volunteer Manual
  • Flexibility to adapt teaching techniques to different audiences, weather situations and time constraints
  • Access to computer & internet in order to access our Volunteer Database (Volgistics) and input volunteer hours in a timely manner

What our volunteers can expect of us:

  • Meaningful volunteer opportunities that are both fulfilling and enjoyable
  • A safe working environment
  • Training, supervision, feedback, and support
  • Recognition for your dedication to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies as a volunteer
  • Clear definition and communication from staff

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please send an e-mail to Meredith McBurney, Volunteer Coordinator, and tell her briefly about yourself:

  • Where you live, and how far you are willing to travel to volunteer
  • Your background as it relates to birds, science and education
  • What you are interested in doing as a volunteer
  • Your time availability (weekdays, weekends, days, evenings, etc)
  • Anything else about yourself that you think is really important!

For more information:
Meredith McBurney
Volunteer Coordinator