Seasonal Conservation Assistant

Audubon; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 27,221,376 - 31,684,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Job summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Conservation Assistant for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, FL. The role supports field and office activities at the Western Everglades Research Center and the land stewardship program, focusing on data collection, wildlife surveys, and habitat monitoring.

Seasonal, 26 weeks, full-time (40 hrs/week) starting Sep 2026, at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. On-site housing is available as a taxable benefit; travel to field sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or have recently completed a degree in biology or a related field.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to learn species-identification; knowledge of South Florida ecosystems preferred.
• Able to pivot and adapt to changing field conditions; improvise as needed.
• Work independently and as part of a team; strong attitude is essential.
• Flexible hours, including early mornings and long outdoor shifts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collection of field data, including water level data and aquatic fauna.
• Follow data collection protocols and maintain field records.
• Data entry and management; assist with camera trap image processing.
• Identify and catalogue aquatic fauna; assist with wildlife surveys.
• Assist with prescribed fire under supervision of team members.
• Maintain safe operation of field equipment and ensure safety culture.

Skills

Attention to detail

Field data collection

Teamwork

Communication

Safety compliance

Geolocation skills

Education

Biology degree in progress or completed

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Survey123

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Blair Audubon Center is one of the National Audubon Society's premiere centers. Operating as part of the Audubon Florida state program, the Sanctuary unites visitor and education experiences with science-based conservation to understand, protect and restore habitats on its >13,000 acres and its regional and connected watershed and public lands corridors. Conservation Assistant will report to the Director of Conservation and will assist with field and office activities associated with the Sanctuary’s Western Everglades Research Center and its science-based land stewardship program. Specific activities will depend on seasonal hydrology and weather, but may include a combination plant, aquatic fauna (small fish and crayfish), amphibian, reptile, wading bird, and mammal monitoring, laboratory processing of aquatic fauna samples and camera trap images, entering and managing data, and serving as a member of the Sanctuary’s Prescribed Fire Team.

This is a seasonal, 26-week, full-time (40-hours per week) position beginning September 2026, based at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, FL).

Rustic, shared accommodations are available on-site, as a taxable employment benefit. Please indicate in your application if you require on-site housing.

Compensation

$19.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Assist with collection of field data, including downloading water level data, collecting aquatic fauna (fish, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, reptiles), conducting wading bird surveys (using UAV and manned fixed-wing aircraft), completing herpetofauna surveys, vegetation surveys, and maintaining camera traps.
• Precisely follow data collection protocols.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and organized field records and assist with data entry and data management.
• Identify, preserve, and catalogue aquatic fauna and identify mammals in camera trap images.
• Assist with prescribed fire under the supervision of experienced Prescribed Fire Team members.
• Ensure basic preventative maintenance and safe operation of off‑road vehicles and equipment.
• Foster a culture of safety within the Sanctuary’s Conservation Team.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with Sanctuary staff, visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
• Communicate conservation science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of technical publications, public presentations, generating social media posts, and interacting with volunteers, members and donors.
• Other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Pursuing or have recently completed a degree in biology or a related field.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to learn species‑level identification of plants and animals is required. Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is preferred.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances and work conditions, and an ability to improvise and problem‑solve in the field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; a can‑do attitude is essential.
• Solid judgement and the ability to identify and act quickly in emergencies. Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to work non‑traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings), including long hours outdoors in remote sub‑tropical South Florida wetland environments.
• Ability to transport field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent navigational and geolocation skills, and experience with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS are required. Experience with Survey123 and use of artificial intelligence for camera trap image processing is a plus.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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 [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.