Junior Forest Technician

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.

The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) is a program, which includes 6 high school students from the local community. This program led by the land manager, enables students to experience professional forestry skills and methods, participate in Wildland and Woodland Stewardship Science, and practice long-term forest monitoring techniques. The year roundyear-round schedule also includes habitat construction and remediation of Important Bird Areas (IBA) at our Bent of the River (BOTR) sanctuary. JFT’s get a chance to work with other organizations such as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection banding Purple Martin chicks and electrofishing the Pomperaug River.

This internship is a temporary role and is paid at a rate of $15.00 per hour.

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

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

The Bent of the River Audubon Center (BOTR) is looking for students interested in fulfilling their SAE hours through the Environmental Sciences and Conservation fields. The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program offers the following:

• College Prep Forestry Program
  
  • Learn professional forestry skills and methods.
  • Participate in Wildland and Woodland Stewardship Science.
  • Practice long-term forest monitoring techniques.
• Work closely with local professionals
  
  • Bird Friendly Forest Assessments and Management.
  • Bird-banding.
  • Experience Electro-fishing with D.E.E.P.
• Riverine study plots
  
  • Terrestrial and aquatic species sampling and monitoring.
  • Water quality sampling.
• Habitat Management for species conservation
  
  • Early successional habitat construction + maintenance.
  • Learn to evaluate habitat quality and gauge it’s suitability.
  • Invasive plant control.
• Bluebird Box monitoring
  
  • Assist in bluebird nest monitoring.
  • Data collection.

• Grades 9-12 in Vocational Agricultural School.
• Positive attitude.
• Flexible summer schedule.
• Passionate in environmental sciences and conservation.
• The ability to work well with others.
• Computer skills and the ability to work with Word, Google Drive, Excel spreadsheets, editing software, and Powerpoint.
• Complete capstone projects and presentations.
• Effective communication skills.
• The ability to work outside in all conditions.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to lift heavy objects.
• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment.

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.

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