Audubon Nature Institute’s Coastal Wildlife Network (CWN) is the primary Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Network participant for Southeastern Louisiana and is the only permitted marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation facility in Louisiana. Under the direction of the Stranding and Rehab Coordinator, the Seasonal Stranding Technician will assist the Coastal Wildlife Network with the response and rescue of stranded (dead/live) marine mammals and sea turtles around Grand Isle, Louisiana.

The Responder will be responsible for conducting daily surveys of Grand Isle beach, Elmer’s Island, and Port Fourchon beaches, and completing and submitting all necessary stranding documentation and paperwork to the CWN coordinators.

It should be noted that historically the incidences of live marine mammal and sea turtle rescues occur infrequently and are a minor part in this job.

This is a seasonal, part-time position with housing provided on Grand Isle, LA. Candidates must have their own vehicle for personal travel. A work truck and UTV will be provided for business related travel only. This position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field and in an office setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response work, long hours, weekends and holiday shifts may be required.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Seasonal Stranding Technician will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality

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  Maintain relationships with local officials from the Town of Grand Isle, Grand Isle Police Department, Grand Isle State Park, Elmer’s Island, and Port Fourchon.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience

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  Seek out opportunities to positively impact the guest experience and encourage staff to do so as well.

Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.

• Interact with the public regarding beached animals, and provide verbal and hard-copy information on the project and the public’s role in stranding reporting.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation

• Monitor and conduct daily surveys for stranded (dead/live) marine mammals and sea turtles on public/private beaches in the Grand Isle area
• Respond and report stranded marine mammals/sea turtles in accordance with NOAA’s stranding and salvage network protocols
• Document survey activities, including maintaining electronic logs
• Operate survey UTV vehicles along Grand Isle area beaches
• Collect data and appropriate samples on stranded animals
• Salvage appropriate carcasses
• Prepare written reports for, and communicate with, the Coastal Wildlife Network coordinator regarding stranded marine mammals and sea turtles
• Respond, remove and/or transport sick or injured animals to appropriate stranding rehab facilities
• Assist with maintaining survey vehicles (including washing and reporting mechanical deficiencies) and inventory field supplies used for surveys and related activities

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Seasonal Stranding Technician will:

Welcome

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  Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
• Wear identification badge.
• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Always have the camera-ready look.

Share

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  Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
• Coach coworkers on service expectations.
• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

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  Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

Experience:

• Previous marine mammal or sea turtle stranding experience will be given preference.

Education:

1. High school diploma

2. Bachelor of Science degree or working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology or relevant field

Licensure/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• First aid/CPR and HAZWOPER certification preferred

Software Requirements: Proficiency in Microsoft office product; cloud based drives such as Google drive or Microsoft SharePoint

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.

Physical Requirements:

1. Sedentary Work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. May involve sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

2. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.

3. Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.

4. Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required.

5. Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.

6. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.

7. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.

8. Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1. Working long hours between breaks or meals required.

2. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

3. May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

4. Constant contact with co-workers required.

5. Affinity for animals preferred.

6. Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.

7. Exposure to outdoor conditions may be required.