Seasonal Counselors-in-Training (CIT)

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.

Interested in environmental education, wilderness skills and working with children? Looking to build your resume, receive volunteer credit for school and broaden your knowledge of the natural word? Join the Audubon Vermont team this summer as a PAID counselor-in-training! 

Counselors-in-training (CITs) work alongside our camp counselors—experienced naturalists and educators—to deliver a high-quality, hands-on environmental education and activities for campers ages 3-11. 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 to launch them towards their next education or career opportunities. We hope our CITs will become the next generation of Audubon camp counselors, naturalist educators and conservation biologists! 

Who can apply?

CIT positions are open to high school students 14 to 18 years old (students entering 9th grade who may not yet be 14 are welcome to apply). An ideal candidate for this position is available Monday-Friday at least 3 weeks of the summer (June 21-August 12).

CITs must be available on June 16th and 17th from 9-5 for an orientation at the Green Mountain Audubon Center.

What camps will I work?

CITs have the option of working with our Preschool Nature Camp or Ecology Day Camp. Normally, CITs have the option to choose different camps, but this year CITs will stick with ONE camp. This is an effort to limit interaction between camps and staff to reduce chances of spread. 

Preschool Nature Camp: Preschool Nature Camp offers a full day of outdoor play and exploration to campers 3 to 5 years old. Our time is filled with stories, scavenger hunts, crafting, nature walks, puppet shows, games, and full-sensory immersion in the natural world. CIT hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 

Ecology Day Camp: Ecology Day Camp's full-day program runs wild around the forests, brooks, and ponds of the Green Mountain Audubon Center. Each week of camp focuses on a different theme, but all campers will get a chance to search for wildlife, make crafts, go on hikes, and hone their nature awareness skills while exploring the most magical places at Audubon. Campers age 6 to 14. CIT hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m

CIT duties and expectations:

• You will spend your first week observing camp to get a better sense of the daily flow and activities. By your second week, you will be invited to take on more leadership. This could mean leading an opening circle, teaching a game or craft, or reading a story to the campers. Camp counselors and the camp director will serve as a resource and support system for you as you build your natural history knowledge and repertoire of camp games and activities. That being said, we acknowledge that everyone comes with different comfort levels in taking the lead – if you feel up to leading a game or reading a book in the first week we can make that happen! 

Other expectations include: 

• Participate in staff meetings and weekly check-ins with mentor.
• Receive and apply feedback .
• Be a role model for campers, exhibiting maturity and good judgment
• Under supervision, lead camp activities and programs for which your skills, interests, and training qualify you.

We are looking for people with interests in:

• Outdoor/environmental education.
• 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.
• Past experience attending Audubon camp or another outdoor camp is helpful, but not required.

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.

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.

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