Morro Coast Audubon Society is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Program Manager to lead our FEATHER (Fostering Environmental Awareness Through High School Education and Research) program. Based in San Luis Obispo County, this full-time position combines environmental education, program leadership, field instruction, partnership development, and community engagement.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting students, educators, volunteers, and communities with birds, nature, and conservation on California's beautiful Central Coast. The Program Manager will play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality environmental education experiences while helping expand one of the region's most respected conservation education programs.
Position at a Glance
Full-time, exempt
Hybrid position based in San Luis Obispo County
Salary: $72,000–$79,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Health insurance stipend
Paid time off and holidays
Anticipated start: August 2026
About Morro Coast Audubon Society
Founded in 1966, Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) is a nonprofit conservation organization serving California's Central Coast through bird conservation, environmental education, habitat stewardship, and community engagement. As a chapter of National Audubon Society and Audubon California, MCAS works to protect birds and the places they need while inspiring people of all ages to connect with nature.
Each year, MCAS reaches thousands of students, families, and community members through school programs, field trips, public education, volunteer opportunities, citizen science, and habitat restoration. Since 1989, MCAS has owned and managed the 32-acre Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos, providing environmental education, habitat restoration, and public access to one of the Central Coast's treasured natural areas.
As a volunteer-driven organization, MCAS values collaboration, innovation, stewardship, and lifelong learning. We believe that meaningful experiences in nature foster curiosity, scientific understanding, and a lasting commitment to conservation. We are committed to creating welcoming and inclusive opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about and care for the natural world.
About FEATHER
FEATHER (Fostering Environmental Awareness Through High School Education and Research) is Morro Coast Audubon Society's flagship environmental education program for high school students in San Luis Obispo County. Through classroom instruction, field investigations, community science, habitat restoration, and hands-on research, FEATHER connects students with the natural world while building scientific knowledge, environmental leadership, and a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Working in partnership with local schools, educators, public agencies, and community organizations, the program provides meaningful outdoor learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and stewardship of the Central Coast's unique ecosystems. Students explore topics such as birds, watersheds, native plants, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring while contributing to authentic scientific research and community science projects.
The FEATHER Program Manager plays a central leadership role in ensuring the program's continued success by coordinating educational programming, leading field experiences, mentoring College Corps Fellows and other education staff, cultivating partnerships, managing program operations, and helping secure the funding and evaluation that sustain and grow the program.
What You'll Do
Lead an award-winning environmental education program
Oversee all aspects of the FEATHER program.
Coordinate with schools, teachers, and community partners.
Maintain program calendars, documentation, narratives, and records.
Prepare program work plans, budgets, and supporting documentation for grant applications, grant reporting, and program evaluation.
Teach and inspire students
Lead classroom lessons and outdoor field experiences.
Coordinate field trips and educational activities.
Foster scientific thinking and environmental stewardship.
Build partnerships
Work closely with schools, districts, community partners, and volunteers.
Represent FEATHER at public events.
Expand educational partnerships throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Supervise and mentor
Recruit, train, and supervise College Corps Fellows and other education staff.
Foster a collaborative, supportive learning environment.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience leading educational or environmental programs
Experience working with high school students or young adults
Strong organizational, communication, and project management skill
Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
Preferred
Environmental education experience
Knowledge of Central Coast ecosystems
Experience with eBird, iNaturalist, or similar platforms
Grant-funded program experience
Spanish language skills
Why Join MCAS?
At Morro Coast Audubon Society, you'll join a collaborative nonprofit dedicated to bird conservation, environmental education, and habitat stewardship on California's Central Coast. You'll help inspire young people, work alongside passionate volunteers and community partners, and contribute to a program that connects students with nature through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
How to Apply
