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:

Bent of the River Sanctuary & Audubon Center (BOTR) in Southbury, CT, hosts a 7-week summer camp with two weeks of training before the start of camp. The program will run from Monday, June 15th, to Monday, August 17th. Participants can enjoy various activities—including hiking, brook walks, river exploration, crafts, nature-themed games, live animal interactions, and birding. With access to forests, meadows, wetlands, and the Pomperaug river participants experience the wonders and diversity of nature in Southbury and gain a greater understanding of and respect for the natural world. BOTR offers experienced and aspiring teachers and environmental educators the opportunity to work in an outdoor setting as part of a dynamic summer camp team.

To safely, execute Bent of the River (BOTR) Programs for children ages 5-17, Lead Camp Counselor will be needed for approximately 9 weeks over the course of the summer (10 days of training, 7 weeks of camp) Monday through Friday, for 7.5-8 hours per day.

• Length of Assignment: 6/15/2026 – 8/17/2026

• Hours: 7.5 – 8 hours Per Day

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

Compensation:

$21.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Acting as assistant Camp Director and overseeing regular day to day camp programs, resolving any minor daily issues and running camp debriefs with camp staff.

• Overseeing 2 other camp counselors, planning and executing each weeklong camp session including teaching hikes, vernal pool explorations, river programs, nature crafts and games, making sure other camp staff are prepared for each day, and setting up and cleaning up each day’s camp activities

• Maintain the safety of all campers during their time at Audubon Camp.

• Maintain positive working relationships with summer campers and their parents and/or guardians, as well as BOTR full time and seasonal staff, and volunteers.

• Helping with other aspects of a nature center, such as contacting camp parents by phone or email, photocopying, or more.

• Use of basic office equipment may be used such as a photocopier, telephones, trail cams and simple outdoor recreational equipment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completion of at least two years of college coursework in environmental or life sciences is required.

• Some teaching experience and/or curriculum development is necessary, and environmental education experience preferred. Summer camp leadership experience also preferred.

• Demonstrated experience leading a group, and initiating activities, and be aware of COVID-19 guidelines and BOTR safety procedures and the ability to enforce those safety precautions.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting

• Experience overseeing seasonal camp staff and resolving minor issues that may arise among seasonal staff or campers/parents.

• Strong work ethic, natural history background, self-motivation, on-going enthusiasm, attention to detail, commitment, flexibility, ability to work with sound judgment under pressure in changing situations, a desire to learn, excellent time management, and the ability to work well with others and with children.

• Counselors must show respect for others of all ages, race, gender, etc., as well as respect for nature and the outdoors

• Enthusiastic about working, even in unfavorable weather conditions, pleasant, reliable and able to carry out simple assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from the Audubon Center each day for work.

• Must have the ability to traverse all major trails of the Bent of the River Audubon Center and on uneven terrain

• Ability to travers, remain stationary, maneuver in a variety of ways as needed for short and extended periods of time.

• Able to work outdoors in the heat of summer

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.