Teen Trip Leader

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org. 

About Mass Audubon Camps
Imagine a place where children can develop their interest in the outdoors, play together, and gain comfort and confidence in the natural world. That place is Mass Audubon's summer camp programs. Each day, campers explore and learn in nature, meet new friends, play games, and have fun! Do you want to share your love of nature and build community? Consider joining our camp staff!

About This Position
Teen Adventure Trip (Trek) Leaders facilitate groups of 8-12 teenagers on a series of week-long outdoor adventure trips throughout the Northeast, both in the front and backcountry. On each trip, two Trip Leaders work closely together to supervise and create a positive group environment where participants can learn, grow and develop leadership skills in an active outdoor setting. Schedules will typically run two or three weeks on trips followed by one week in camp. Trip Leaders also offer support in other Wildwood programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging outdoor activities for teens including hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, nature-based activities, team-building initiatives, games, and hands-on educational lessons
• Supervise and support positive group development and camper behavior including when outside instructors are teaching the group
• Communicate clearly and regularly with Wildwood Camp leadership. Maintain journals and logs recording pertinent information
• Facilitate all aspects of daily life and teen Trekkers’ development including but not limited to: plan nutritious menus; ensure teen Trekkers are practicing good hygiene; adhere to and teach teens about minimum impact ethics (Leave No Trace)
• Lead activities and experiences that contribute to the development of leadership skills and environmental literacy
• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers, and make independent safety decisions when needed; safely drive campers in vehicles

At Wildwood Camp

• Act as a positive role model for campers, CITs and fellow staff members
• Assist with day-to-day activities, including special events and evening activities; lead spontaneous activities during unstructured time 
• Plan and support trips; assist with packing, food preparation, and organizing for trips
• Act as a full participant in the Wildwood Community
  • All Wildwood staff will help work in the kitchen at least 2 days over the summer 
  • Complete evening security duties as assigned
  • Substitute as a counselor as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.

Required qualifications as per New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Must be 20+
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have 2+ years driving experience
• Must enjoy the outdoors and be able to willing to teach participant about nature
• Experience in one or more: backpacking, biking, or paddling
• Ability to hike 4+ miles
• Ability to carry an internal frame backpack weighing 65 or more pounds for more than 1 hour at a time
• Must hold Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Must hold Lifeguard and Waterfront Skills certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Experience in Leave No Trace and back-country cooking
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• Be willing to work in all weather conditions including: heat, sun, humidity and rain
• Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
• Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
• Ability to meet emergency needs in backcountry and camp settings

Desired Qualifications 

• Additional certifications such as lifeguard, water safety, or paddling instructor
• Experience rock climbing
• Experience leading service projects

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon

• Free First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard and other certification classes offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)

Compensation and Benefits 
This position’s base salary begins at $625/week; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Compensation includes housing and meals for the duration of employment. This is not a benefits eligible position.
 
Work Schedule
Staff Training: June 9-June 21, 2025
Camp: June 22-August 25, 2025
Trip Leaders are responsible for camper supervision at all times of day and night except when on time off.

All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. If you have a strong desire to work with campers in an outdoor environment and are interested in learning how to teach and effectively lead groups, please apply.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice 
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.