Is being a Junior Conservation Technician a job?

Yes! Junior Conservation Technicians (JCTs) are hired by the National Audubon Society as seasonal employees at Audubon Vermont. While there is a big learning component to the program, JCTs are expected to treat the experience with the same dedication as they would any employment opportunity. This means attendance, participation, and behavior must be in accordance with the expectations and responsibilities lined out in the job description.

How old does my student need to be to apply? 

Candidates MUST be 14-18. In the state of Vermont, you must be 14 to be eligible to work.

Where does the JCT Program take place? 

The Green Mountain Audubon Center (GMAC) in Huntington, VT. See Google Maps. We occasionally go off-site for projects, which will always be communicated to guardians in advance. 

How does my student get to the center? 

Transportation can be tricky to our rural location. Many JCTs will carpool or drive themselves. The closest bus stop (Richmond Park & Ride) is 15 minutes away.

If you think you are a good candidate for the program, but transportation is a barrier, please apply and we will try to find a creative solution! 

How long is the JCT Program?

Each JCT must work at least 150 hours from January 25-June 27. While most hours will be completed in-person at the GMAC, 16 hours will be completed online in between our in-person workdays.

Why are there virtual days?

For continuity and to prepare for our in-person workdays. Additionally, feedback from past JCTs indicated that they wished we had more time. Virtual days are new this year and an easy way to increase time spent learning without asking participants to make yet another trek to GMAC.

How hands-on is the JCT Program? 

This program is about a 30-70 split between education and hands-on conservation projects. Our Youth Conservation Leadership Coordinator will teach JCTs naturalist skills throughout the program (plant and wildlife identification, wild edibles, wilderness skills, etc.) There will be a few times that guest speakers or lecturers come for a classroom-style talk to lay the foundation for a project we will do. We will also hear from local professionals about their education and career journeys during virtual meetings. Outside of these times, we will be in the field getting things done!

Do I need experience in conservation to participate?

Nope! Just an interest in conservation and dedication to completing the program.

What if I have plans during the in-person dates?

Please let the Youth Conservation Leadership Coordinator know about any dates you may miss during the interview process. It is still worth applying. However, if new plans emerge after you’ve been hired, and you miss more than a few days it could affect your employment and/or future recommendations. We know this program is a big time commitment and we have done our best to still allow for long weekends during breaks.

Why is the schedule during weekends and school breaks?

To allow students from all over the state to apply. If this program was held afterschool it would limit participation to those within a certain mile-radius to apply while excluding others.

Do I need my own outdoor gear?

While many students opt to use their own gear, Audubon has extra layers, rainboots, ponchos, and other gear that we can lend out. Please reach out if acquiring gear is a barrier.

Will my student have access to their phone? How do I communicate with them during the day?

We have a strict no phones out during work policy unless we are using them for a project. JCTs are welcome to check their phones during their lunch break. The GMAC has terrible service so if you need to get in touch with your student immediately, please call our office.

How physical is this program?

The GMAC is 250+ acres of land and has 5-miles of trails. We will be hiking all over the property to reach project locations and collect data, sometimes with gear or tools in hand. Candidates should be comfortable hiking up to 5-miles a day on varied terrain. You can learn more about our trails here. Accommodation available upon request.

Who leads the JCT Program?

Our Youth Conservation Leadership Coordinator, Sarah Hooghuis. Sarah has been part of the Audubon Vermont team for 5 years in various roles and brings a decade of experience in environmental education. Sarah loves working with teenagers and helping them discover more about themselves—whether it be exploring a new hobby, pursuing an interest, or setting a personal goal. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow and find their passions!

Sarah hires a Youth Conservation Intern every year to help support and co-lead this program. Bio TBD!

Still have questions? Reach out to Sarah at sarah.hooghuis@audubon.org