Early Career Programs
We’re investing in building the environmental workforce of tomorrow, today.
If you’re passionate about increasing equitable access to nature and making our planet a better place for humans and wildlife to coexist, Mass Audubon can help launch your career.
Through our early career programs, students and young adults have opportunities for hands-on experience, professional development, and network-building. We provide career exploration and meaningful leadership development in all professional fields, preparing early career staff to guide the environmental movement forward.
Environmental Fellows Program
Our Environmental Fellowship Program (EFP) is a 14-month fellowship that expands early career opportunities for young professionals with identities that have been historically underrepresented in the environmental and conservation fields.
Fellows work in departments that represent Mass Audubon’s multifaceted approach to protecting the nature of Massachusetts: conservation science, land management, policy and advocacy, marketing and communications, and environmental education. Field classes at Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries and trips to local environment-focused organizations provide ways for fellows to build connections to other professionals in their field.
All fellows begin their position concurrently, giving them immediate access to a peer cohort and community to help them thrive. Fellows are also paired with mentors within the organization who serve as an additional resource and sounding board to fellows. Mentors can help discuss fellows’ future career plans and opportunities to merge their personal and professional interests.
EFP Projects
Fellows contribute to existing projects in their departments and develop their own professional project that connects to the Mass Audubon Action Agenda. Mentors, supervisors, and staff support the fellows as they design and execute their projects. At the end of the fellowship period, fellows will present their projects and experiences to Mass Audubon staff and board members.
The application period for the next cohort will open in the spring.
Massachusetts Climate Corps
The Massachusetts Climate Corps (MCC) is a summer internship program crafted to empower young professionals from underrepresented communities to become leaders in the environmental and conservation fields.
MCC crews will spend the summer getting hands-on experience in climate resilience, coastal resilience, and urban ecology. Projects could include restoring land on the coast, protecting the urban tree canopy, or planting pollinator gardens.
The program centers around career exploration, supporting young professionals in building foundational expertise to propel them forward in a green career.
Corps Members
Corps members spend the summer observing plants and wildlife, collecting data, and carrying out projects to support nature-based climate solutions. Corps member applicants should be enrolled in or have recently completed high school or college, and be interested in science, excited to do fieldwork, and willing to learn on the job.
Corps Leaders
Corps leaders spend the summer mentoring crew members, teaching techniques for working in the field, and assisting the early careers manager in planning and supervising crew projects. Corps leader applicants should be enrolled in a college or advanced degree program and have a science background and fieldwork experience.
The application period for the summer MCC positions will open in the spring.
Camp Counselors & Counselors-in-Training
Camp is a unique working environment, whether beating the heat with creative water games, or teaching young people about the value of teamwork, camp staff develop hands-on leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Our camp staff spend their summer making genuine connections, forming community with kids and each other. We work hard to make sure that everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole self to camp. As a staff member, you’ll work with peers who are committed to learning about and creating inclusive spaces.
You don’t have to be a nature expert to work at a Nature Camp. At Mass Audubon, you will learn and teach about nature, with support from experienced naturalists and educators who will train you to create outdoor learning experiences. Every summer, we welcome new Counselors and Counselors-in-Training.
Coastal Waterbird Program Seasonal Staff
The Coastal Waterbird Program is one of the most successful entities protecting North American coastal waterbirds and barrier beaches.
The program welcomes early career nature enthusiasts for a summer of fieldwork, training, and mentorship. You don’t need any experience with fieldwork to join as a field assistant. In fact, all you need to apply is an interest in protecting coastal species and habitats, and a willingness to get sandy on the job.
The Coastal Waterbird Program begins hiring for summer positions on January 1.
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In Your Words
I love that my job always has something new going on; it never gets monotonous and it’s full of exciting work that I get to share with the public. I also get to be creative with a team that is supportive and receptive to my ideas and work in general. I am always proud to tell folks that I work for Mass Audubon because of the important work we do—from donating organic produce to food desert communities, to teaching younger generations how to love and protect nature.
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In Your Words
When I’m planting trees or restoring urban sites, I’m not thinking about how it will impact me in my lifetime; it’s for the people living here in 25, 50, even 200 years. Of course, my role is more than planting trees. I’m connecting Mass Audubon to land agencies, communities, and individuals at local, regional, and national levels for the benefit of urban greenspaces. It’s a big job, but I know that every hour that I’m at work, I’m making an impact.
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