Position Title: Assistant Stranding Coordinator
Department: Audubon Aquarium Rescue
Reports To: Stranding and Rehab Coordinator
Location: McNeese State University
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date Revised: October 2026
Position Type: Full Time
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do (Summary of role)
Under the general direction of the Stranding and Rehab Coordinator, the Assistant Stranding Coordinator will assist the Stranding and Rehab Coordinator with the response, rescue, and release activities for Audubon Aquarium Rescue. This position is based in Lake Charles, Louisiana and will primarily operate in Southwest Louisiana.
The Assistant Stranding Coordinator will be responsible for conducting beach surveys for active stranding surveillance along Southwest Louisiana beaches, lab and field necropsies of marine mammals, completing and uploading all essential paperwork associated with stranding and necropsies into national databases, supervising interns from McNesse State University, coordinating the AAR volunteer corps when needed, representing Audubon at various outreach and education opportunities around the Gulf Coast, as well as help cover calls for the AAR 24 hour stranding hotline.
The Assistant Stranding Coordinator candidate should be aware that historically the incidences of live marine mammal and sea turtle rescues and transport to rehab occur infrequently. Live animal rescues and rehabilitation events are rare and unpredictable and should be considered as likely to be a minor, but important, part of the position.
This position is funded through 2027 with the possibility of extension (funding dependent) with full benefits that will work out of McNesse State University in Lake Charles, LA. 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, travel (mostly in state), weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts may be required.
Day to Day Responsibilities (Limit to most important/top 10 duties if possible)
• Respond to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings across the Louisiana coast. Obtain required data and conduct appropriate sampling collection of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Salvage carcasses, move carcasses off public beaches, and conduct marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies either in the field or lab setting.
• Complete and upload essential paperwork and media associated with stranding events and necropsies into appropriate in-house and national databases
• Inventory stranding supplies, necropsy supplies, and all collected samples
• Maintain an internship program with McNeese State University students offering training and experience with marine mammal and sea turtle stranding field work.
• Assist with building and maintaining volunteer corps with McNeese State University and AAR’s Coastal Community Volunteer program including yearly training and recruitment activities.
• Represent AAR at various outreach events across Louisiana and develop educational materials about marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Operate trucks and UTVs to conduct beach surveys looking for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings utilizing McNeese State University volunteers/interns and AAR’s Coastal Community Volunteers. Complete required survey paperwork such as electronic logs.
• Maintain vehicles, trailers, and UTVs through regular inspection and maintenance
• Assist with coverage of the AAR 24-hour stranding hotline
• Maintain partnerships and relationships with local, state, federal, and other stranding network entities.
Additional/Overall Skills:
• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability while working independently and fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• 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.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves: (required for the role)
• Bachelor’s of Science degree in marine biology or relevant field
• Marine mammal and sea turtle stranding experience
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekend, holidays, and evenings. Workdays can sometimes exceed 12+ hours.
• Ability and willingness to mentor and train volunteers and interns.
• Willingness for long hours of driving trucks while towing and driving UTVs for beach surveys
Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
• Previous experience driving UTVs on beaches preferred
• Previous experience operating heavy duty truck and towing preferred
• Experience with marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, a plus but not necessary
• HAZWOPER Certification preferred
Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)
• Exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in various outdoor field conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and in-water.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English
• 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
