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Maple Sugaring Assistant

National Audubon Society (USA)

National Audubon Society (USA)

Huntington Beach, CA, USA
USD 19-19 / hour
Posted on Dec 1, 2025

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:
The Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, Vermont provides conservation education for schools, families, adults, teachers and the public. The Center also offers a summer day camp program for children ages 3 to 13 with education programs that offer direct experiences in nature. Our programs are outdoors, science-based, interactive, and lead participants to take action to help protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats. The Center conducts scientific research in the form of avian monitoring and is a bird-friendly, land management demonstration site. We have a working, education-based sugarbush that produces between 75 and 100 gallons of bird-friendly syrup each year. Thousands of people visit the sugaring operation annually to learn about bird-friendly maple syrup production.

  • Length of Assignment: 02/09/2026 – 04/17/2026

  • Hours: Approximately 21 hours per week (weather dependent)

  • Location: This is an on-site position based out of Audubon Vermont - State Office-Green Mountain Center in Huntington, Vermont.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Stack and maintain sugarhouse firewood, ensuring a full supply is available for maple syrup production throughout the season.

  • Prepare taps, buckets, and other equipment for the sugarbush, track tapped trees, monitor bucket and tap condition, and assess tree productivity.

  • Assist with tapping the sugarbush, including leading volunteers and providing clear instructions on proper tapping techniques.

  • Prepare and maintain the sugarhouse for syrup production, including cleaning pans, assembling equipment, stacking firewood, wiping counters, and keeping the space tidy and presentable.

  • Gather sap from approximately 600 trees, including driving a tractor when needed; respond to sap runs promptly, which may occur several consecutive days and any day of the week.

  • Perform end-of-season cleanup, including removing taps and buckets, washing and stacking equipment, cleaning pans, and ensuring all tools and the sugarhouse are left safe and presentable.

  • Work with volunteers and visitors throughout the season, including assisting with sap gathering and demonstrations during Sugar-on-Snow events.

  • Operate and maintain the tractor, routinely checking diesel, oil, and other fluid levels, and report any issues immediately to the Center Director.

  • Support Sugar-on-Snow Parties (March 21–22) by assisting with demonstrations, visitor engagement, and sap gathering as needed.

  • Maintain cooperative and productive relationships with all Audubon personnel and perform other duties as assigned related to sugaring operations.

Qualifications and Experience

  • 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.

  • Maple sugaring experience preferred.

  • A valid driver’s license to operate Audubon vehicles. Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work beginning February through mid-April.

  • Ideal to have experience driving a tractor with a trailer attached.

  • Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather; including rain, sleet, snow etc.

  • Must have experience using hand and power tools as well as the sugaring equipment.

  • Able to shovel, chop ice and stack firewood on a regular basis.

  • Able to lift, reach, climb, push, pull, and gather buckets of sap in foul, cold weather with or without reasonable accommodations.

  • The ability to maneuver with 50lbs or more on a regular basis, with or without reasonable accommodations.

  • Able to sustain manual activity and contribute to labor-intensive tasks for long periods, with or without reasonable accommodations. Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

  • Must be knowledgeable about, and committed to, the Audubon mission and the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

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.