Seasonal Assistant, Conservation

National Audubon Society•Dayton, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Assistant, Conservation supports Aullwood Audubon’s conservation and operations work, including daily livestock care, habitat stewardship, and maintenance. The role helps care for farm animals; maintain barns, pastures, fences, and agricultural facilities; perform routine conservation and land-management work; provide administrative support for conservation projects such as the Native Plant Sale; and assist the Maintenance Department with snow and ice removal and other projects. The assistant works with the Conservation team to help keep Aullwood’s conservation areas safe, functional, and welcoming. This is an on-site position running from November 15, 2026, through May 15, 2027, at 32 hours per week, with compensation of $19.00 per hour.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma, GED, vocational training, or equivalent experience required.
Experience working with mammalian livestock required.
Ability to safely operate or learn to operate tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, snow blowers, and common hand and power tools.
Ability to work around livestock and in agricultural environments.
Knowledge of basic safety practices and ability to recognize and address hazards.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public and maintain positive working relationships.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
Ability to regularly lift and maneuver up to 80 pounds, with or without accommodation.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain, with or without accommodation.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; operating Audubon vehicles is required to perform essential functions.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in agriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, parks, conservation, or related outdoor work.
Experience using Microsoft Office and email applications.
Interest in conservation, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, or natural resource management.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Assist with twice-daily livestock feeding, watering, and welfare checks.
Clean animal stalls, pens, feeders, waterers, and enclosures; replenish bedding and maintain sanitary conditions.
Help move animals between pastures and barns as directed; observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior and report concerns to a supervisor.
Assist with inventorying livestock feed, bedding, and other supplies, and support veterinary visits, hoof-care appointments, and animal-transport preparations.
Keep farm facilities, including barns and storage areas, clean and neat.
Assist with habitat management, including invasive-species removal, and support planting, watering, and maintenance of native plants and restoration areas.
Assist with pasture maintenance.
After training, operate equipment and tools in accordance with Audubon safety procedures.
Assist with volunteer workdays and stewardship projects.
Interact professionally with visitors and answer general questions about Aullwood operations.
Support special events, educational programs, and seasonal activities with setup, operations, and cleanup, primarily for Aullwood’s Native Plant Sale.
Promote a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff and follow Audubon safety policies and procedures.
Assist during emergencies, including severe weather and animal-related emergencies.
Assist with daily water testing and/or Guest Services at the Farm when necessary.
Support the organization’s values and inclusive, collaborative work environment.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.