Habitat Technician I

Woodlands Conservancy; Belle Chasse (LA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Woodlands Conservancy is seeking two part-time, seasonal Habitat Technicians to support restoration projects within 650+ acres of a nature preserve. The roles involve field work, brush removal, tree planting, surveys, and supervising volunteers.

Salary ranges from $15–$18 per hour with ~32 hours per week, and some weekends may be required. Positions run November through March 2026 with possible extension beyond March.

Qualifications

• Prior field experience using and maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, UTVs, trailers, backpack sprayers, shovels, rakes for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in habitat restoration projects across 650+ acres of land.
• Perform brush removal and invasive species control.
• Site prep for planting plots and planting seedlings and containerized trees.
• Conduct surveys and tag trees.
• Lead and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Operate equipment including chainsaws and brush hog; perform basic maintenance.
• Complete data entry and administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Chainsaw operation

Brush cutter usage

Plant/tree identification

Equipment maintenance

Communication

Teamwork

Valid driver's license

Data entry/administrative tasks

Ecological restoration principles

Tools

Chainsaws

Brush cutters

Herbicide sprayers

UTVs

Trailers

Tractor

ATV

Job description

Job Type Temporary Salary $15-18 per hour Time Period November – March 2026 (possible extension)

About Woodlands Conservancy Woodlands Conservancy (WC) is a nonprofit land trust, organized in 2001 to preserve and restore forested wetlands and other ecologically or historically significant lands. Preservation tools include protecting lands of high conservation value through fee title acquisition or the acceptance of a donated conservation servitude. The organization currently owns 840-acres of forested wetlands in the Greater New Orleans area. Woodlands Conservancy involves students and community volunteers in forest restoration and bird banding activities. The 650-acre Woodlands Preserve site provides interpretive nature trails that are free and open to the public and a setting in which community programming can foster an understanding and appreciation for the wildlife and migratory birds that depend on this dwindling habitat.

Summary of Position:

The Conservancy is seeking two part-time, seasonal Habitat Technicians to assist in implementing habitat restoration projects within 650+ acres of a nature preserve that the Conservancy owns. Projects include brush removal, invasive species control, site prep for planting plots, planting seedlings and containerized trees, conducting surveys, tagging trees, leading and supervising volunteers and/or interns, chainsaw and bush hog operation, herbicide application, and equipment maintenance with approximately 95% of time spent in the field on restoration projects. Some weekend days may be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior field experience using and maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, UTV’s, trailers, backpack sprayers, shovels, rakes, etc. for extended periods of time
• Plant and tree identification skills for both invasive and native species
• Successful candidates will be highly motivated, hardworking, physically fit, flexible, and detail oriented
• Ability to drive and operate a tractor, ATV and UTV.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Strong work ethic & positive attitude
• Experience identifying and managing forest and wetland habitats
• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete data entry and various administrative tasks as needed
• A solid understanding of and experience with ecological restoration principles

Details:

The successful candidates will work approximately 32 hours/week depending on weather conditions and land management priorities and will be paid $15 - 18/hr. , depending on experience. Planting season from mid-November through mid-March may require more than 32 hours/week depending on the weather. The hours worked each week may be less than 32 when weather conditions prevent field work activities. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Possible extension of position beyond March.