Urban Conservation Intern

Audubon; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon New Orleans is seeking an Urban Conservation Intern to develop and deliver an urban tree planting, conservation, and restoration program in New Orleans and other urban centers in Southern Louisiana. You will engage community groups, work with volunteers, plant trees, assist staff with conservation science projects, and report progress on a tree planting grant with the City of NOLA.

This on-site internship emphasizes education, engagement, and hands-on habitat work.

Qualifications

• Completion of 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.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and organize tasks independently.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Skills

Time management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication

Outdoor work ability

Education

College coursework in conservation

College coursework in forestry

College coursework in biology

Tools

iNaturalist

eBird

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:

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.

Length of Internship

6 months

Hours:

40 per week

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:

Sep 21, 2026 – Mar 20, 2027

This is an on-site position located at the Audubon New Orleans location in New Orleans, LA.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

• 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 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.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

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.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completion of 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.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and organize tasks independently.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions accurately and contribute effectively both independently and within a team setting.
• A proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset with a positive approach to a variety of situations.
• Capable of performing sustained outdoor work in varied terrain and weather conditions, including the ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.
• Valid driver’s license required and reliable transportation
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

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.