Environmental Leadership Program Counselor
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Leadership Counselors live and work directly with 14-17-year-old program participants to offer positive and meaningful curriculum and experiences to teens. The Wildwood Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) focuses on developing teens to become strong conservation voices and leaders in their homes and communities.
More information and job postings are available at www.massaudubon.org/workatwildwood.
Application Instructions
Please include a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead high-quality activities that contribute to teens leadership development
- Assist the ELP Directors with planning both first-year and second-year ELP programs
- Facilitate recreational opportunities and relaxing times for teens
- Facilitate high-quality workshops on group, personal and leadership skills
- Help lead a multi-day camping trip focusing on community and leadership practice
- Lead spontaneous activities during unstructured times
- Ensure physical and emotional safety of all campers
- Supervise teens effectively during cabin, meal, program, and transition time; manage behavior as needed
- Act as a full participant of the Wildwood Community
- Abide by all Wildwood and Mass Audubon policies and procedures
- All Wildwood staff will be required to help work in the kitchen at least 2 days over the summer
- Complete evening security duties as assigned
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.
Required qualifications as per New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:
- Must be 21+
- Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
- Must hold valid driver’s license and have 2+ years driving experience
- Must have experience working with teens, preferably in an outdoor setting and an interest in facilitating an environmental leadership development program
- Must possess a love of nature that can be articulated to participants, and basic level of environmental literacy
- Ability to talk, hear, sit, stand, and walk
- Ability to bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, push/pull, walk and run over uneven terrain, and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to apply advanced manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination to perform tasks such as such as tying specialized knots and operating ropes-course safety equipment
- Must be able and willing to use: cleaning supplies, computer, projector, speakers, tents, camping stoves, walkie talkie, basic outdoor/hiking gear
Desired Qualifications
- Additional compensation available for Wilderness First Aid or Lifeguard certifications
Perks of Working at Mass Audubon
- Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
- “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
- Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
- Training in Natural History & Classroom Management
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s base salary begins at $415/week; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Compensation includes housing and meals for the duration of employment. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Work Schedule
June 11-August 28, 2023
All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. Training includes: Natural History, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Games, and so much more. If you have a strong desire to work with campers in an outdoor environment, and are interested in learning how to teach and effectively lead groups, please apply.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.