The National Audubon Society is hiring a
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.
Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
A lack of understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of the Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) in Louisiana has resulted in an inability to (1) study basic aspects of the species’ biology in this part of the range and (2) implement effective conservation measures to benefit this species. Without knowing when and where the Black Rail occurs in the state, restoration and management efforts will be unable to account for the habitat needs of this rare and declining species. This project seeks to build upon four years of research to locate Black Rails in coastal Louisiana, describe important habitat on which they depend, and understand their responses to fire management.
Supervised by the Marshbird Biologist, the Marshbird Biological Assistant will work closely with Audubon Delta’s Marshbird Biologist to conduct night-time dragline surveys. By assisting with this project, the Marshbird Biological Assistant will gain experience and learn from experts in the field of conservation and avian ecology, while gaining practical skills in ornithological research, monitoring techniques, and volunteer coordination.
This position is expected to work 15-20 hours per week for four months between November 2022 and February 2023. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references with your application by October 3rd, 2022.
The Marshbird Biological Assistant will:
• Assist in rail banding efforts 1-2 nights per week, up to 8 times per month, beginning 30 minutes after sundown and lasting +/- four hours.
• Assist in data entry as needed.
• Be expected to travel 2-3 days per week to conduct field work.
• Conduct vegetation surveys at remote sites across south Louisiana.
• Must be willing to work long hours outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, cold, biting insects, etc.);
• Must be able to walk over a mile through various wet and dry marsh habitats. This includes tall & dense grass oftentimes with uneven footing, shallow pools, and scrubby vegetation;
• Must have strong organizational skills and great attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills;
• Experience driving ATVs and/or operating outboard motorboats are a plus;
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are a plus (mileage will be reimbursed at the current Federal rate);
• Must live in, or be willing to temporarily move, to southwest Louisiana.
• Must be willing to work on weekend nights, as most surveys will be conducted on Friday and Saturday nights, with the possibility of working other nights during the week as needed.
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.