The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is now accepting applications for a biologist supervisor position at the Nature and Science Center at Port Wonder in Lake Charles. The new facility is set to open in the summer of 2024. Port Wonder is a collaborative effort between LDWF, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, the City of Lake Charles, and the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana.
The Lake Charles Nature and Science Center project was selected to be funded by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funds were designated to compensate the public for recreational use services lost as a result of the oil spill. This project came to the attention of Lake Charles Mayor, Nic Hunter, and the City of Lake Charles approached LA TIG with a proposal to consolidate with the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles for a more collaborative, exciting visitor experience that would benefit both locals and tourism. Port Wonder is the culmination of this idea.
The Nature and Science Center at Port Wonder will be dedicated to educating visitors about Louisiana’s coast, the species that inhabit the inland and coastal waters, recreational fishing opportunities, and what LDWF is doing to ensure the resources will be here for future generations. In addition to hands-on exhibits and a fishing game, the facility will have five aquariums totaling approximately 15,000 gallons displaying species from Louisiana’s freshwater and saltwater habitats. An outdoor exhibit area with walking trails and an ADA-compliant recreational fishing pier is also set to open this summer where LDWF will have the opportunity to host fisheries outreach and education programs.
If you are interested in applying for the biologist supervisor position, which will include duties such as basic daily fish and animal care, aquarium care including life support and water quality maintenance, scheduling of staff and volunteers, coordination of outreach and education events, and on-site educator, please visit the job posting here.
Volunteer opportunities will also be available when the facility opens this summer. If you are interested in volunteering at Port Wonder to assist staff with greeting customers, maintaining the cleanliness of exhibits, and educational programming, please complete an interest form here.
The Port Wonder facility is being developed in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The Foundation was formed to help expand and support LDWF education and research programs with additional resources developed through its own facilities. Encouraging support for LDWF programs is the major focus of the Foundation, accomplished by connecting people and businesses with Louisiana’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.lawff.org.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.