Job Description

Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Field Technician to assist with field conservation programs. The primary goals of this position are to support work with population recovery of federally-listed Dusky Gopher Frogs (Lithobates sevosus), and to understand conservation impacts of the emerging infectious disease known as Amphibian Perkinsea, which can cause mortality in gopher frog tadpoles and lead to mass mortality events. Under the direction of the Director of Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will assist Audubon Zoo and a team of collaborators in conducting field surveys for Dusky Gopher Frog tadpoles and co-occuring tadpole species across southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. This is a seasonal, full time position that runs November 1, 2024-June 31, 2025.

The Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will be responsible for conducting tadpole and pathogen surveys in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, across the historic range of the Dusky Gopher Frog. Specific tasks will include eDNA sampling for amphibian pathogens, tadpole swabbing for amphibian pathogens, visual encounter surveys for tadpoles, and time constrained surveys for tadpoles. Depending on project progress, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician may assist with other field conservation programs of the Audubon Nature Institute.

Candidates 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, long hours, weekends and holiday shifts may be required.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality

• Maintain relationships with local collaborators with state and federal wildlife agencies, and landowners including state and federal partners.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience

• Seek out opportunities to positively impact the guest experience and encourage staff to do so as well.

Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.

• Interact with the public regarding beached animals, and provide verbal and hard-copy information on the project and the public’s role in stranding reporting.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation

• Conduct surveys for gopher frog tadpoles and co-occurring tadpole species

• Collect environmental DNA (eDNA samples) for amphibian pathogens

• Document survey activities, including maintaining electronic logs

• Collect data and appropriate samples from field conservation work

• Prepare written reports for, and communicate with, Audubon Zoo’s conservation department

• Report inventory of field supplies used for surveys and related activities daily

• Weekly check-in meeting with Audubon Zoo’s Conservation Department

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.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Wildlife Conservation Field Technician will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.

• Wear identification badge.

• Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.

• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Always have the camera-ready look.

Share

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• Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).

• Coach coworkers on service expectations.

• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.

• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

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• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.

• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).

• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.

• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.

• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

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Experience:

• Previous field research experience is preferred, in particular with amphibians

• Previous experience working with federally-endangered species is preferred

• Ability to safely conduct fieldwork, including working in inclement weather, including high heat and humidity

• Working knowledge of the natural history of the southeastern US

• 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

• Experience identifying amphibians is highly preferred

Education:

1. High school diploma

2. Bachelors of Science degree or working towards a Bachelors of Science degree in biology, wildlife biology, environmental science or relevant field

Licensure/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• First aid/CPR certification preferred

Software Requirements: Proficiency in Microsoft office product; cloud based drives such as Google drive or Microsoft SharePoint

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, scanner, and phone.

Physical Requirements:

1. 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.

2. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.

3. Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.

4. Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required.

5. 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.

6. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.

7. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.

8. Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1. Working long hours between breaks or meals required.

2. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

3. May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

4. Constant contact with co-workers required.

5. Affinity for animals preferred.

6. Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.

7. Exposure to outdoor conditions may be required.

Tagged as: Conservation

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