Junior Forest Technician Crew Leader

The National Audubon Society is hiring a Junior Forest Technician Crew Leader in Southbury, CT. This part-time, onsite position involves supervising high school students in a forest conservation program, managing daily fieldwork, and planning activities with the Land Manager. The role requires leadership skills and experience in natural resources. The position runs from June 16 to August 27, 2026, with compensation of $20.00 to $22.00 per hour.
About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

We are looking to employ a dedicated Crew Leader to supervise the activities of our Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program. The Crew Leader’s responsibilities include managing a team of five or more high school agriscience students, supervising daily work in the field and planning activities with the Land Manager. To be successful as a Crew Leader you should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills and have experience in the field of natural resources and environmental sciences.

The JFT program at the Bent of the River Audubon Center reinforces and enhances technical high school curriculum with real-world applications in the forest conservation field. Students pursue forestry-related curriculum at school, and then complete direct forest conservation work with Audubon as part of their school Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) work requirement. Students complete much of the SAE experience with Audubon in the summer months with opportunities throughout the year for JFT’s to meet, work with, and be guided by their Audubon mentors, both in the field and through enhanced classroom curriculum materials.

Initiated by Audubon Connecticut in 2013, the (JFT) program provides immersive and comprehensive training, mentoring, and summer internships in the field of forestry to high school and vocational school students. Students receive hands-on training in forestry ecology and habitat management, invasive plant species and forest bird identification and monitoring, plant propagation, public outreach, and job preparedness, empowering students with valuable new conservation and work skills.

The Bent of the River Audubon Center is a 700-acre nature sanctuary, education, and conservation action center located in Southbury, Connecticut. Its mission is to conserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by engaging the community and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of nature.

This position is classified as onsite at the Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury, CT.

This is a seasonal, part-time position working 7 hours per day and up to 25 hours per week) starting June 16, 2026 through August 27, 2026.

Compensation:

$20.00 – $22.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions
• Supervising activities of JFT’s including forest and river surveying.
• Educating Crew Members on proper habitat management techniques, equipment uses, and chainsaw safety.
• Working with land manager and CT forester in an updated Forest Management Plan.
• Leading the development of curriculum and programs. This will include new forest surveys intended for monitoring woodthrush habitat (WOTH-Party Training) and collaboration with ACT/NY forest team and DEEP Bird-Friendly Maple site visits.
• Assist Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Scheduling JFT workdays along with Land Manager, which include activities, habitat work, hosts, and guest speakers.
• Working as a liaison between land manager and field professionals.
• Assisting the Land Manager with field videography and editing short tutorial videos.
• Organizing and overseeing the repair and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, and surveying instruments.
• Monitoring habitat management supplies and placing orders for new stock required.
• Assisting JFT’s with daily work and processing forest and water quality data.
• Assisting the Land Manager with habitat management.
• Working with volunteers and organizing volunteer workdays.

Qualifications and Experience:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Proven management experience in the field of science and natural resources.
• The ability to work well with others.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficient in recording devices and editing software.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• The ability to work outside in all conditions.
• Effective communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to lift heavy objects up to 75lbs.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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.