Location: Southbury, CT
Part time
Requisition ID: JR1072

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 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 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 Junior Forest Technician (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. It’s 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, 3 days and 21 hours per week) starting June 23, 2026 through August 20, 2026.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

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 Friendly Maple

• WOTH-Party Training

• Bird-banding.

• Riverine study plots

• Terrestrial and aquatic species sampling and monitoring.

• Water quality sampling.

Habitat Management for species conservation

• Take part in BOTR updated Forest Management Plan

• 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.

Research Projects

Qualifications and Experience:

Grades 9-12 in Vocational Agricultural School.

Positive attitude.

Flexible summer schedule.

Interests in environmental sciences, natural resources 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 up to 50lbs.

Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment

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.

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