Camp Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

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
Ipswich River 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 a partner or team to develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate nature-based lessons and daily activities for children
• Assist in cleanup/organization at the end of each day
• 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
• Provide behavioral support to campers and Counselors in Training as needed

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 have a less traditional background.

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 4 weeks of experience working with children including, but not limited to, babysitting (volunteer or otherwise) and experience with younger siblings
• 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 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

Work Schedule

Camp staff training will be held from June 15th through June 18th, 2026. Camp runs from June 22nd through August 21st, 2026. Hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Compensation and Benefits
This position’s pay range is $16.55-$19.00 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.