Audubon Zoo · Louisiana · posted today
Position Title: Wildlife Conservation Field Technician Department: Zoo Conservation, Education, and Science Reports To: Senior Director of Conservation, Education, and Science Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Position Type: Full-time Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world. What You’ll Do Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Field Technician to assist with a growing portfolio of field conservation programs based out of Audubon Zoo. This position will support work with population recovery of Dusky Gopher Frogs, monitoring of urban wildlife, and other field conservation projects. Approximately 75% of the work for this position will be focused on population recovery of federally-endangered Dusky Gopher Frogs in Louisiana– where they have been extirpated for more than 60 years. The Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will be responsible for egg mass surveys in breeding ponds in southern Mississippi, large-scale propagation of Dusky Gopher Frogs through the tadpole stage to metamorphosis (based at a conservation center in New Orleans), release of post-metamorphic frogs at restored habitats Louisiana, and post-release monitoring in Louisiana. Additional responsibilities within the duties of this position will include urban wildlife monitoring through the Greater New Orleans (using motion-activated camera traps, and identification of images), mentoring undergraduate students and collaborating with graduate students, organizing volunteer schedules, and public-facing outreach. Occasional fieldwork with additional taxa (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) will be likely. Applicants must have access to a personal vehicle to complete the duties of this position, though mileage will be reimbursed for travel among field sites. This position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field and in an office setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of field conservation work, occasional long hours, weekends and holiday shifts may be required. Day to Day Responsibilities Conducting surveys for gopher frog egg masses and tadpoles Propagation of gopher frog tadpoles in large outdoor mesocosms Handling, transportation, and release of gopher frogs at field sites Collection of data and appropriate samples from field conservation work Maintenance of field equipment, materials, and supplies Preparing communications for institutional reports, social media posts Coordination of field schedules with undergraduate and graduate students and volunteers Weekly check-in meeting with Audubon Zoo’s Conservation Department Additional/Overall Skills: Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned. What We’re Looking For Must Haves: (required for the role) Undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, forestry, or related field At least one year of experience working with wildlife in a field setting Ability to safely conduct fieldwork, including working in inclement weather, high heat and humidity Comprehensive understanding of conservation biology and species recovery programs Experience with personal computers, GPS units, GIS software Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel Ability to communicate in person and writing Meticulous attention to detail and ability to take detailed notes Ability to work independently or as a part of a team Valid drivers license is required Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role) Working knowledge of the natural history of the southeastern US Experience working with federally endangered species Experience identifying amphibians at different life stages (adults, tadpoles, eggs) Capability with management and processing of wildlife data (including graphing and basic statistical analyses) Experience with environmental education and outreach Experience working within zoo and aquarium environments Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type) Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly. Sedentary Work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. May involve sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds. Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks. Primarily outdoor environments and all types of weather conditions. Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises. Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required. Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.
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