LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

WHITE LAKE WETLANDS CONSERVATION AREA DOVE BANDING - INTERNSHIP

White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area (WLWCA) is an approximate 72,000-acre wetlands conservation area managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and consists of 75% freshwater marsh and 25% agriculture land. The property was owned and managed by various oil companies until BP donated it to the state of Louisiana in 2002. LDWF manages the property to produce high quality habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, alligators, and numerous other species; additionally, the agriculture property is managed to maintain rice production and ensure the land stays in farmable condition. Since 2015, WLWCA has participated in the national mourning dove banding program. Mourning dove banding is part of a larger national effort coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the data produced from this project are an important component to estimating vital rates necessary for managing mourning dove populations.

Project Scope: The mourning dove banding intern will be responsible for capturing and banding mourning doves at WLWCA and the surrounding area. The intern will be responsible for various activities such as determining potential mourning dove banding sites, securing permission to band doves on private property, maintenance of equipment, running trap sites morning and evening, ageing/sexing doves, banding doves, entering dove banding data, and maintaining detailed banding records. The intern must be able to work long and irregular hour’s (pre-dawn and post-dusk daily). The intern must be willing to work in extreme heat and humidity and be able to tolerate mosquitoes and other biting insects while working in the field. The intern must be able to take detailed notes for data collection and be proficient with Microsoft Office Excel program. At the end of the summer, the student intern will compose a research paper outlining mourning dove banding efforts, bait preference, and the amount of by-catch in proportion to overall captures on WLWCA.

The purpose of the LDWF Biologist Intern Program is to provide students at the graduate and undergraduate levels relevant experience.

Timing: 25 May–14 August 2026 (Flexible beginning and end dates)

Housing: White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area will provide housing

Compensation: College credit is contingent upon university approval. Interns may receive $12 per hour

Application deadline: April 25, 2026

POSITION- SPECIFIC DETAILS:

This position will be domiciled in Vermilion Parish.

Appointment Type: Unclassified Temporary

HOW TO APPLY

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at
https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_main.asp

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization. Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VACANCY CONTACT:
Cassandra Louis

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

clouis@wlf.la.gov