Junior Forest Technician

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, 3 days and 21 hours per week) starting June 23rd through August 22nd.

Compensation:

$16.50 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

The Bent of the River Audubon Center (BOTR) is looking for students interested in fulfilling their SAE hours through the Environmental Sciences and Conservation fields. The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program offers the following:

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 its suitability.

• Invasive plant control.

Bluebird Box monitoring

• Assist in bluebird nest monitoring.

• Data collection.

Internship Benefits
Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grades 9-12 in Vocational Agricultural School.

• Positive attitude.

• Flexible summer schedule.

• Interests in environmental sciences, natural resources 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.

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

EEO Statement 
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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