Lead Camp Counselor
Mass Audubon, Princeton, MA, United States
Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp Position
Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead a group of children by exploring fields, forests, wetlands, streams, and hiking trails
Work with an assistant or partner to develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate nature-based lessons and daily activities for children
Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all campers
Treat all campers with compassion
Act as a role model to both campers and colleagues
Assist in cleanup/organization at the end of each day
Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:
Must be at least 18 years of age
At least one year of experience working with children in a summer camp or other youth program environment
Hold current First Aid and CPR certifications or participate in Mass Audubon provided training to obtain certification prior to the beginning of camp
Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
Willing to be outdoors for several hours per day in most weather conditions
Ability to physically access sanctuary terrain and trails easily by foot
Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp's youth-centered environment
Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
Desired Qualifications
Strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics
Prior experience working at a day or resident camp
Work Schedule Camp staff training will be held from June 8th through June 18th, 2026. Camp runs from June 22nd through August 21st, 2026. Hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM 4:30 PM. Additional optional hours are available before camp (7:45 AM 8:30 AM) or after camp (4:30 PM 5:15 PM)
Compensation and Benefits This position's pay range is $18.30-$21.00 per hour; actual pay will be determined based on experience level, qualifications relative to position requirements, and location of the position. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Perks of Working at Mass Audubon
Free First Aid/CPR training offered in June
"Pro- Deal" discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more at Mass Audubon's shops
Network and collaboration with staff from multiple Mass Audubon departments, including Conservation Science and Education
Hands-on training in natural history, group leadership, and behavior management (as applicable)
Training Requirements All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. Training includes: Natural History, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Games, and more.
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.
Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead a group of children by exploring fields, forests, wetlands, streams, and hiking trails
Work with an assistant or partner to develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate nature-based lessons and daily activities for children
Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all campers
Treat all campers with compassion
Act as a role model to both campers and colleagues
Assist in cleanup/organization at the end of each day
Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:
Must be at least 18 years of age
At least one year of experience working with children in a summer camp or other youth program environment
Hold current First Aid and CPR certifications or participate in Mass Audubon provided training to obtain certification prior to the beginning of camp
Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
Willing to be outdoors for several hours per day in most weather conditions
Ability to physically access sanctuary terrain and trails easily by foot
Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp's youth-centered environment
Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
Desired Qualifications
Strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics
Prior experience working at a day or resident camp
Work Schedule Camp staff training will be held from June 8th through June 18th, 2026. Camp runs from June 22nd through August 21st, 2026. Hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM 4:30 PM. Additional optional hours are available before camp (7:45 AM 8:30 AM) or after camp (4:30 PM 5:15 PM)
Compensation and Benefits This position's pay range is $18.30-$21.00 per hour; actual pay will be determined based on experience level, qualifications relative to position requirements, and location of the position. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Perks of Working at Mass Audubon
Free First Aid/CPR training offered in June
"Pro- Deal" discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more at Mass Audubon's shops
Network and collaboration with staff from multiple Mass Audubon departments, including Conservation Science and Education
Hands-on training in natural history, group leadership, and behavior management (as applicable)
Training Requirements All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. Training includes: Natural History, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Games, and more.
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.