Wildlife Conservation Field Technician
About The Position
Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Field Technician to support a growing portfolio of field conservation programs based out of Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana. The role supports the recovery of Dusky Gopher Frogs, urban wildlife monitoring, and other field conservation projects. Approximately 75% of the work focuses on recovery of federally endangered Dusky Gopher Frogs in Louisiana, where they have been extirpated for more than 60 years. Duties include surveying breeding ponds in southern Mississippi for egg masses, propagating frogs through the tadpole stage to metamorphosis at a New Orleans conservation center, releasing post-metamorphic frogs at restored Louisiana habitats, and monitoring them after release. The position also involves urban wildlife monitoring throughout Greater New Orleans using motion-activated camera traps and image identification; mentoring undergraduate students and collaborating with graduate students; coordinating volunteers; and public-facing outreach. Occasional fieldwork with invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals is likely. Work takes place both in the field and in an office. Applicants must have access to a personal vehicle for travel among field sites; mileage is reimbursed. Occasional long hours, weekends, and holiday shifts may be required because field conservation work is unpredictable.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, forestry, or a related field.
- At least one year of experience working with wildlife in a field setting.
- Ability to safely conduct fieldwork, including in inclement weather, high heat, and humidity.
- Comprehensive understanding of conservation biology and species recovery programs.
- Experience with personal computers, GPS units, and GIS software.
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to communicate in person and in writing.
- Meticulous attention to detail and ability to take detailed notes.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Access to a personal vehicle to complete the duties of the position.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of the natural history of the southeastern United States.
- Experience working with federally endangered species.
- Experience identifying amphibians at different life stages, including adults, tadpoles, and 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.
Responsibilities
- Conduct surveys for gopher frog egg masses and tadpoles.
- Propagate gopher frog tadpoles in large outdoor mesocosms.
- Handle, transport, and release gopher frogs at field sites.
- Collect data and appropriate samples from field conservation work.
- Maintain field equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Prepare communications for institutional reports and social media posts.
- Coordinate field schedules with undergraduate and graduate students and volunteers.
- Attend weekly check-in meetings with Audubon Zoo’s Conservation Department.
- Monitor urban wildlife throughout Greater New Orleans using motion-activated camera traps and identify images.
- Mentor undergraduate students and collaborate with graduate students.
- Conduct public-facing outreach.
- Participate in occasional fieldwork involving invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement for travel among field sites.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
