The Junior Instructor Program began in the summer of 2021 as a way to engage early career naturalists, bird guides, and environmental educators with our work at Hog Island Audubon Camp. Now this fully-fledged program has expanded to most camp sessions over the season and allows people to gain work experience, network with our world-renowned instructor teams, and possibly find new mentors to continue their career journeys. Junior Instructors are given financial compensation for their time and all room/board is provided during their camp week.

Applications for the 2026 season will open on November 17, 2025, and are due on January 20, 2026. Applicants who are selected will be notified by the end of February.

Role Description: As a junior instructor, you will assist with camp operations during the camp session you attend. The role will vary some depending on which camp session you attend, but there are some responsibilities that are consistent throughout.

• Help to facilitate bird walks, hikes, boat trips, and other programming as needed
• Interact with campers in a friendly and positive way and contribute to the overall camp community.
• Maintain E-Bird checklists during bird walks that will be shared with the entire camp
• Co-lead early morning bird walks
• Help Organize the 'Mystery of the Day Competition'. The Mystery of the Day is a daily set of questions about some natural phenomena created by the instructors. Campers receive points for correct answers AND creative answers, and the person with the most points at the end of the week wins a prize.
• Create a Weekly Wrap Up post for Hog Island social media with 2-3 pictures from the week and a caption that describes highlights from the camp session

Eligibility: Open to any early career naturalist, bird guide, or environmental educator. Early career for us means within 10 years of your post-graduation date from college/tech school/etc. or a new career choice. This position is for a support role at the Hog Island Audubon Camp. You will work alongside world renowned ornithologists, authors, and bird guides in a mentee capacity, while also gaining the opportunity to build your resume.

A paid stipend of $650 and all room and board while at camp will be provided after completion of your week. Instructors must provide their own transportation to and from camp.

Requirements: A completed application and personal narrative.

Check out our Junior Instructor alumni.