Urban Conservation Intern

Position Summary:

The Urban Conservation Intern will develop and deliver an urban tree planting conservation and restoration program along with avian conservation science and engagement activities primarily in the City of New Orleans (NOLA) and other urban centers in Southern Louisiana Southern Mississippi and the Delta region.

The role includes engaging community groups working with volunteers planting trees enhancing various habitats assisting staff with conservation science projects and education programs and reporting progress on a tree planting grant with the City of NOLA. Most of the activities will occur in NOLA in primarily underserved neighborhoods and will require engaging with community partners and landowners. Strong candidates will take a thoughtful approach to education engagement tree planting & care and bird conservation.

This seasonal position will not exceed 40 hours/week and will operate from June to October.

This is an onsite position located at the Audubon New Orleans location

Length of Internship: 6 months

Location: New Orleans LA

Hours: 40

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship you will work with Audubon Delta conservation and engagement staff to:

• Assist with handson habitat restoration work maintaining and planting native trees and plants at various restoration sites to promote biodiversity climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

• Assist in collecting ecological data via community science programs such as iNaturalist and eBird.

• Support outreach programs as needed by tabling at local community fairs.

• If able attend weekly staff meetings and monthly Audubon Delta Meetings.

• Work with contractors community organizations volunteers and landowners towards removal of invasives thinning and planting native trees and plants.

• Engage with volunteers and community organizations to educate communities on prescribed native tree plantings and planting techniques as well as monitor planting success to improve shade quality and reduce heat islands across the NOLA and other urban landscapes.

• Conduct community education and demonstration workshops around tree planting and care to improve public awareness on benefits of native trees in the urban landscape.

• Work with the team to contribute to project reporting budget management procurement and communication products as necessary.

• Partner/Collaborate/Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity diversity inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities

The learning objectives for this position are:

• Build capacity in Urban Conservation

• Native plant use in Urban spaces

• Tree planting and care

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Tree planting and care

• Engagement around conservation objectives in an urban landscape

• Sciencebased planning for native plants and tree use production and care.

Intern Schedule:
Work on dedicated project objectives usually between 8 am 5 pm workday with appropriate breaks. Work on accomplishing objectives as needed during some weekends and outside 8am 5pm work hours.

Projected Start Date/End Date:

15 June 2025 15 Dec 2025

Qualifications and Experience:

• Commitment to Audubons organizational values of care collaboration change integrity impact and innovation.

• College coursework in relevant areas of conservation forestry bird biology natural resources or related fields or equivalent handson experience.

• Strong interest in conservation biology and related areas.

• Ability to organize your own time effectively.

• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work as part of a team or independently.

• Positive problemsolving approach to a variety of situations.

• Ability to do physical work outdoors for prolonged periods in varied terrain and weather conditions.

• Strong communication skills.

• Critical thinking skills.

• Able to lift at least 30 pounds.

• Able to work outdoors for prolonged periods.

• Valid drivers license required and reliable transportation.

EEO Statement

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.

Accessibility Statement

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