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 towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

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 brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) is a program, which includes 5 - 8 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 summer 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 and many local professionals.

Compensation:

$15.69 / hour

• 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.

• Professional forestry skills and methods.
• Wildland and Woodland Stewardship Science.
• Practice long-term forest monitoring techniques.
• Native plants related to birds.
• Specialized habitat management.
• Gain research study skills through the scientific method.

• 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 up to 50lbs.
• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment.