Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance

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.

The Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary is a 26,000-acre refuge owned by the National Audubon Society in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. Established in 1924, it’s Audubon’s oldest and largest sanctuary. The property includes not only marshland and ponds, but beach and bay-shore. The Rainey Sanctuary provides habitat for over 200 species of birds including endangered piping plovers and more recently, whooping cranes. Deer, alligators, coyotes, bobcats, otters, muskrat, and nutria also call Rainey home. There are no roads to the refuge and there is no public access.

Position Summary:

The Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance will support Sanctuary Leadership with the daily operations at Rainey Sanctuary. This includes land and habitat management and improvements, maintenance of structures and equipment, monitoring of boat traffic and water ways, and more.

This is a full-time, hourly position and will require transportation of seven miles by boat to the Sanctuary where work will be performed.

Compensation:

$18.00 - $20.00 / hour

• Monitor boat traffic and patrol waterways to prevent unauthorized persons from trespassing in private canals or on property. Prevent hunting, fishing, crabbing, or any other resource harvest by unauthorized entities.
• Maintain grounds, buildings, equipment, boats, airboat and vehicles.
• Operate riding mowers, blade and string trimmers and load equipment onto boats for remote work.
• Maintain property signage along waterways and interior boundaries.
• Assist with prescribed marsh-burns to maintain marsh health.
• Assist other staff with the implementation and management of conservation efforts.
• Maintain proper operation of water control structures, keeping them clear of debris and vegetative growth.
• Prepare for storm/hurricane impact to protect Sanctuary assets and conduct cleanup/repairs afterwards.
• Supervise yearly alligator egg collection and yearling returns.
• Monitor and evaluate sanctuary habitat and habitat improvements.
• Clear vegetation from bird islands using fire and hand tools, and maintain other structures in good working order.
• Remove feral hog, coyote and nuisance animals in accordance with Sanctuary policy.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with National Audubon staff in the Delta region to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Participate in relevant Audubon all staff calls.
• Other job-related duties, including manual labor tasks, as required.

• 2 + years’ experience with grounds and facilities maintenance; experience with land management strongly preferred.
• Ability to safely tow, launch, operate and secure a boat with confidence.
• Passage of Louisiana Boater Safety Course and ability to safely operate a variety of small to midsize boats in shallow waterways.
• Ability to maintain outboard motors, operate and maintain hand and gasoline operated tools.
• Experience with basic trades including plumbing, carpentry and electrical.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with other staff, and interact positively with visitors to the sanctuary and others in the community.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as alone in a remote, isolated location.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working conditions and terrains with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely traverse marsh, wet or unstable environments with or without accommodation.
• Willingness to work weekends, evenings and overnight stays as needed.
• Ability to transport up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to climb stairs and work from ladders with or without accommodation.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and professional work ethic; be punctual and reliable.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to personal land transportation (boats are provided).
• Basic knowledge of habitat management and bird and plant identification a plus
• High school diploma, vocational school certificate or equivalent a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

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.