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
The Ropes Course Director supervises the ropes course staff and all aspects of Wildwood’s challenge course programs including high and low elements, and teambuilding activities. As part of the camp leadership team, the Ropes Course Director supports residential cabin unit campers and their counselors to have a safe, fun, and enriching experience at camp. This position may be an hourly position or a residential position.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ropes Course Specific
- Train and supervise ropes course staff: verify staff skills prior to allowing them to assume ropes course duties
- Provide constructive feedback to both camp staff and ropes course staff, including periodic written evaluations
- Train ropes and non-ropes course staff in emergency procedures
- Conduct periodic in-service trainings and skill building workshops
- Deliver and supervise safe, fun, high-quality ropes course programs
- Monitor and enforce all safety practices and policies; ensure policies are in-line with recognized industry standards and Wildwood’s Local Operating Procedures
- Maintain an organized and safe facility and keep accurate written records
- Create and supervise an array of varied offerings to utilize all aspects of the ropes course throughout each camp session
Camp-Wide
- Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff, and make independent safety decisions when needed
- Act as a positive role model for campers, CITs and staff members
- Participate in Leadership Team training and attend Leadership Team meetings throughout the duration of camp
- Attend all of camp training as a participant, while also leading both ropes course and general camp related sessions as part of the leadership team
- Assist with the direction of day-to-day activities, including special events and evening activities; lead spontaneous activities during unstructured time
- Support counselors of one residential camp unit by:
- Mentor and check in with staff, assist director team with observation and evaluation
- Ensure counselors are meeting campers’ needs and assist counselors with conflict resolution as needed
- Support unit cabins with cabin clean-ups, during meals, and on overnight camping trip
- Substitute as cabin counselor if needed
- 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
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, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:
- At least 21 years of age
- At least 1 year of documented experience facilitating a ropes course program
- Valid driver’s license
- 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
- Must possess a love of nature that can be articulated to participants
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions, including heat, sun, humidity and rain
- Ability to physically access sanctuary terrain and trails 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
- Ability to observe staff and camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures as needed, apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring First Aid; must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and maintain constant supervision of campers
Desired Qualifications
- Prior management experience
- Ability to produce a ropes course facilitation portfolio outlining hours of experience with individual elements
- Experience working in nature-based learning environments
- Familiarity with fields related to conservation or environmental education
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 $725 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
Training for this position runs from June 1 through June 21, 2026. Camp begins on June 22 and ends on August 25, 2026.
Program Coordinators and Directors are responsible for campers and staff supervision at all times of day and night except when on time off. All members of the Wildwood Leadership team will work one intersession throughout the course of the summer with time off adjusted accordingly. Intersessions are the period of time between camp sessions and occur Saturday after camper pickup through Sunday afternoon camper drop-off. Otherwise, time off will be two hours per day and 24 hours between sessions, from Saturday to Sunday. Any additional time off will be discussed and agreed to prior to the start of camp training.
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.