To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Training will take place in Fall 2025. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in September to share more about the program and next steps.
As a Nature Guide volunteer, you will enhance our visitor experience through natural history interpretation on our busy visitation days. With over 31,000 people visiting Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary each year, Nature Guides play a key role in welcoming visitors and teaching them about the history and nature of the place they are visiting.
This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who is excited about and committed to learn more about nature and share their knowledge with children, adults, and families who visit our wildlife sanctuary. It is also a great fit for someone who has a background in education and enjoys interacting with the public.
Training for new Nature Guides will take place in Fall 2025. Please follow the instructions above to express interest in this opportunity and our volunteer coordinator will reach out around then to share more information.
Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:
Gathering education materials, setting up a station inside or outside of Nature Center or along a busy trail, and speaking to public about your chosen topic
Interacting enthusiastically with a diverse range of visitors who have various levels of knowledge about the natural world; catering amount of information and delivery based on visitor interest
Assisting visitors by checking in on their visit, providing information and answers to general site-based questions and ways to further engage with Mass Audubon, and communicating with staff when additional support is needed
Helping with special events as needed
In-person training will be provided and required.
Requirements
Be age 18 or older
Complete short interview process
Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check
Attend an in-person Nature Guide training session at Ipswich River
Ability to:
come prepared to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. This work will take place rain or shine, but never during storms or dangerous weather
reliably read and respond to email communications with staff supervisors
interact with guests of all ages and abilities
Commit to:
one 3-hour shift in either the morning or afternoon at least once every three months
volunteering for at least one year
Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.
Safety
Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes, and bring a snack and water if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training.
Schedule
Nature Guides sign up for one 3-hour shift, at least once every three months, in the morning or afternoon. While most shifts will take place Saturdays or Sundays, there will also be opportunities for weekday shifts, especially in the summer.
Nature Guides are also asked to occasionally support with special events, which generally occur on Friday or Saturday evenings a few times per year.
Next Steps
To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Training will take place in Fall 2025.
