Counselor in Training

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Interested in environmental education, wilderness skills and working with children? Looking to build your resume and broaden your knowledge of the natural word? Join the Audubon Vermont team this summer as a  paid Counselor-In-Training (CIT)!

CITs work alongside our day camp Instructors — experienced naturalists and educators — to deliver high-quality, hands-on environmental education and activities for campers ages 3-12. The program is structured to give CITs the opportunity to explore their interests in outdoor education and conservation, while also building the skills and experience necessary to launch them towards their next education or career opportunity. We hope our CITs will become the next generation of Audubon camp Instructors, Naturalist Educators, and Conservation Biologists!

CITs have the option of working with both our Preschool Nature Camp (ages 3-5) and Ecology Day Camp (ages 6-12). We encourage CITs to take the opportunity to teach both age groups to gain an understanding of how developmental stages of youth impact our lesson plans and teaching styles. While we do our best to honor CIT camp choices, there may be times that CITs will work whatever camp best fits our scheduling needs. For more information about both camps, including age groups and themes for each week, visit our website: https://vt.audubon.org/programs/cit-program

Who can apply?

We are looking for High School Students with interests in:

• Outdoor/environmental education
• Working with children
• Wildlife and habitat conservation
• Nature awareness, animal tracking, and wilderness living skills
• Nature-based crafts, art, and tool-making
• Teaching and mentoring younger kids
• Building teamwork and leadership skills

CIT positions are open to high school students ages 14-18. An ideal candidate for this position is available Monday-Friday for 4 weeks of the summer camp season June 20 - August 11. CITs hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm, with a 30 min lunch break each day (total of 7.5 hours/day).

CITs must be available for orientation at the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington (dates subject to change if snow days delay school year):

• Thursday, June 15th 9am-4:30pm
• Friday, June 16th 9am-4:30pm

This is an in person role based out of the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, Vermont.

Compensation:

$15.00/hour

Essential Functions

• Be a role model for campers, exhibiting maturity and good judgment.
• Help provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for campers.
• Support camp staff in morning preparation and afternoon breakdown of materials.
• Help set up materials for activities throughout the camp day.
• Active engagement with campers and daily activities/adventures.
• Under supervision, lead camp activities and programs for which your skills, interests, and training qualify you.
• Participate in staff meetings and weekly check-ins with mentor.
• Receive and apply feedback from staff.
• Keep timesheet accurate and up to date. Must be submitted bi-weekly.

Qualifications and Experience

• Past experience attending Audubon camp or another outdoor camp is helpful, but not required.
• Must be excited to work with children.
• Must be willing to work in any summer weather conditions (heat, rain, humidity, etc.).
• This job is physical in nature, applicants must be able to stand for long periods of time, play running games
  with campers, and hike around the Center with or without accommodations.
• Must be a current high school student between the ages of 14-18
• CITs are expected to have reliable transportation to and from the Green Mountain Audubon Center. We help
  connect CITs to one another so they can arrange carpooling on their own as best as we can.
• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.