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 [http://www.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 Trip 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

During Trips

• 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
• Maintain daily communication with Trek Coordinator and Camp Director; record pertinent information in journals and logs
• Facilitate all aspects of daily life and teen program participants' development including but not limited to: planning nutritious menus; ensuring participants are practicing good hygiene; adhering 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
• Make independent safety decisions when needed
• Safely drive campers in 15-person passenger vans and/or larger scale vehicle
• Oversee and maintain working inventory of all gear
• Evaluate and provide feedback on all aspects of trips led

At Wildwood Camp

• 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

* 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
• Live in Overnight camp units at least 1 week during the camp season to assist in helping to run the overnight camp program

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 and Human Services regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• At least 20 years of age
• Valid driver’s license and at least 2 years of driving experience
• Must enjoy the outdoors and be able to teach participants about nature
• Ability to follow designated itinerary, ensuring timely group arrivals
• Experience in one or more: backpacking, biking, or paddling
• Ability to hike at least 3 miles
• Ability to carry an internal frame backpack weighing 65 or more pounds for more than 1 hour at a time
• Hold current First Aid and CPR certifications or participate in Mass Audubon provided training to obtain certification prior to the beginning of camp
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or willingness to obtain during training
• Current Lifeguard and Waterfront Skills certifications or willingness to obtain them before the start of the summer
• Experience in Leave No Trace and back-country cooking
• Willingness 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

• Experience leading service projects

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)

Compensation and Benefits:

This position’s base salary begins at $625 per 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 runs from June 7 through June 20, 2026. Camp begins on June 21 and ends on August 8, 2026.

Trip Leaders are responsible for camper supervision at all times of day and night except when on time off. Designated time off is between sessions from Saturday mornings to Sunday at 12:00pm. Any additional time off will be discussed and approved prior to the start of camp training. To maintain staff to camper ratios, Trip Leaders will not have time off while leading offsite programs.

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

All Mass Audubon Camp Staff undergo mandatory training prior to interacting with campers. Training includes: Natural History, Lesson Planning, Behavior Management, Games, and more.

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.