Rhode Islands 400 miles of coastline include coastal wildlife habitat as well as public beaches, walking trails, shoreline cliffs, and historical lighthouses. New Englands coastal habitat currently faces a number of threats including aggressive exotic invasive plant species. Interns will carry out much needed control of invasive plants threatening coastal shrub- scrub and salt-marsh habitat, which are critical to migrating and breeding birds, as well as other species of wildlife. Control methods include hand- pulling, herbicide application, and cutting and digging with hand tools. Duties also include conducting annual monitoring of rare plants such as Agalinis acuta (sandplain gerardia) and Platanthera ciliaris (yellow- fringed orchid), and habitat mapping using GPS technology. Applicants must possess excellent field botany skills, and have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity, endure biting insects, and to work well with others. Additionally, applicants must have the physical ability to hike while carrying tools and bagged plants, and possess a valid drivers license. Experience using GPS units is a plus. Two positions available from May 23 to August 19. Compensation $215/wk plus housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Rhonda Smith, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to [email protected]
