Junior Forest Technician Crew Leader

Position Summary

The 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 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.

Bent of the River Audubon Center is a 700-acre nature sanctuary, education, and conservation action center located in Southbury, Connecticut.
The Bent of the River Audubon Center mission: To Conserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by engaging the community and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of nature.

This is a seasonal, part-time position (7 hours per day and up to 25 hours per week) starting June 16th through August 22nd.

Compensation:

$18.00-$20.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

We are looking to employ a dedicated Crew Leader to supervise the activities of our Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program. The Crew Leader’s responsibilities include managing a team of five or more high school agriscience students, supervising daily work in the field and planning activities with the Land Manager.
 

To be successful as a Crew Leader you should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills and have experience in the field of natural resources and environmental sciences.

• Supervising activities of JFT’s including forest and river surveying.

• Educating Crew Members on proper habitat management techniques, equipment uses, and chainsaw safety.

• Working with land manager and CT forester in an updated Forest Management Plan.

• Leading the development of curriculum and programs. This will include new forest surveys intended for monitoring woodthrush habitat (WOTH-Party Training) and collaboration with ACT/NY forest team and DEEP Bird-Friendly Maple site visits.

• Assist Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Scheduling JFT workdays along with Land Manager, which include activities, habitat work, hosts, and guest speakers.

• Working as a liaison between land manager and field professionals.

• Assisting the Land Manager with field videography and editing short tutorial videos.

• Organizing and overseeing the repair and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, and surveying instruments.

• Monitoring habitat management supplies and placing orders for new stock required.

• Assisting JFT’s with daily work and processing forest and water quality data.

• Assisting the Land Manager with habitat management.

• Working with volunteers and organizing volunteer workdays.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.

• Proven management experience in the field of science and natural resources.

• The ability to work well with others.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Proficient in recording devices and editing software.

• CPR/First Aid certification.

• The ability to work outside in all conditions.

• Effective communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• The ability to lift heavy objects up to 75lbs.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and