Careers - Internships

3-Month Bird Intern (Species Survival Center)

The husbandry team at Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center is seeking applicants for a bird internship.

Location:
Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC), New Orleans, LA

Department: Husbandry

Dates of Position:
Summer:
May (or June) - Aug 2023
(applications due Jan 31, 2023)

Fall:
Aug - Nov 2023
(applications due May 31, 2023)

Winter:
Nov 2023 - Feb 2024
(applications due July 31, 2023)

Time Commitment:
12 weeks (3 months)
Works 5 days per week (40 hours)
Including weekends and holidays

About the Species Survival Center:
The Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC) is a breeding and conservation facility run by Audubon Nature Institute. It is a unique piece of property that expands approximately 1,000 acres in an area south of downtown New Orleans and is closed to the general public. The FMASSC is known for its endangered Crane Recovery Center and ungulate sustainability programs. The Crane Recovery Center is 16 acres and raises whooping cranes and Mississippi sandhill cranes every year for release into the wild.

Summary of Position:
Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with a collection of about 60 endangered whooping cranes and Mississippi sandhill cranes and other various bird species at this AZA certified facility. Interns will gain experience in husbandry, enrichment, record keeping, diet preparation, monitoring animal behavior, assist in egg processing, costume-rearing of chicks, artificial insemination, pen design and maintenance, and veterinary procedures as they relate to general animal care. This internship is unpaid and free housing is available upon a limited basis.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Daily tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Diet preparation
  • Feeding
  • Cleaning enclosures (raking, sweeping, mopping, hosing etc.)
  • Behavioral observations
  • Facility maintenance (fence repair, mowing, weed eating, painting, etc.)
  • Helping maintain and service incubators and the eggs within
  • Wearing heavy denim costumes while walking, feeding, and cleaning around chicks
  • Preparation and administering of enrichment items
  • Assist staff with veterinary procedures when required

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • A sincere interest in birds.
  • Strong interest in animal care, husbandry and conservation.
  • Comprehensive understanding of avian imprinting and it’s relation to costume rearing
  • Capable of accurately following written and verbal directions, policies and protocols.
  • Good attitude and solid work ethic.
  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team.
  • Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding adverse conditions (heat, humidity, rain, biting insects, poison ivy, and snakes etc.), limited visibility, and lift 50 lbs.
  • Up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
  • Proof of negative TB skin test prior to beginning work.
  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

How to Apply:

  • Send the following to Richard Dunn, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the application deadlines listed at the top of the page.
    • Cover Letter - State which internship session you are applying for in your cover letter.
    • Resumé
    • 3 Reference Contacts

COVID-19 PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ALL INTERNS AS FOLLOWS:

All Audubon Nature Institute employees, interns and volunteers must submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or request a medical or religious exemption. Those granted a vaccination exemption must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours every time they come on campus.

Applicants coming on campus will need to present one of the following:
(a) Proof of at least at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine that has received full approval or emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA or the WHO
– OR –
(b) a negative PCR or antibody COVID test taken within the last 72 hours to come onsite.

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:

  • LA Wallet App SMART Health Card
  • An original, digital photo, or photocopy of CDC Vaccination Card (both sides)
  • An official vaccine record issued by another state, a foreign nation or the WHO (World Health Organization)

For more information, contact Audubon’s Human Resources department at (504) 212-5334 or Education and Volunteer Resources department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..