Urban Conservation Intern - Military veterans preferred

The Urban Conservation Intern at the National Audubon Society in New Orleans, LA, will focus on urban tree planting, conservation, and avian science activities. Responsibilities include community engagement, habitat restoration, and assisting conservation projects. This full-time, seasonal position runs from June to October, requiring on-site work in primarily underserved neighborhoods. The role emphasizes education, tree care, and collaboration with community partners to promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Full time
Requisition ID: JR778

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 on-site 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 hands-on 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
• Science-based 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 Audubon’s 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 hands-on 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, problem-solving 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 driver’s 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

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.

Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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