Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP. Three interns are needed to work as part of the Piping Plover recovery project with the USFWS in Rhode Island. This project monitors federally protected Piping Plovers, state protected Least Terns, and species of concern American Oystercatchers on federal, state, and private property in southern Rhode Island. The majority of the work will be done outdoors monitoring these species during the nesting season. Duties include erecting nest exclosures, educating the public, monitoring shorebird pairs and chicks, and recording data. Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to hike long distances with heavy loads. Work will include weekends and holidays. Previous birding experience and a valid US driver's license are required. Must be a team player and be willing to work on other biological program projects. Position extends from April 15 - August 9, 2013 (some flexibility). Salary $215/week + possibility of housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Kevin Rogers, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to [email protected]. Application deadline is February 1.
INVASIVE / NATIVE PLANT INTERNSHIP. Rhode Islands coastal habitat currently faces a number of threats including aggressive exotic invasive plant species. Interns will carry out control of invasive plants threatening important coastal shrub-scrub and salt-marsh habitat. Control methods include hand-pulling, herbicide application, and cutting and digging with hand tools. Interns will also assist in greenhouse propagation and planting of native plants for habitat restoration projects. 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. Must be a team player, capable of working with partners from other conservation organizations and willing to work on other biological program projects such as Piping Plover protection and monitoring. Additionally, applicants must be in good physical shape and be able to hike long distances while carrying tools and bagged plants, and possess a valid drivers license. Experience using GPS units or GIS is a plus. Two positions available from May 20 to August 23. There is the possibility of a position extending depending upon funding and job performance. Compensation $215/wk plus possibility of 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]. Application deadline is February 1. SALT MARSH BIRD BANDER/TECHNICIAN US Fish and Wildlife and The University of Rhode Island are seeking an individual to assist in a collaborative project with the RI National Wildlife Refuge Complex in monitoring salt-marsh breeding birds and overall salt-marsh ecological integrity. Responsibilities include leading a 2- person crew to carry out Saltmarsh Sparrow mist-netting and banding, nest searching and monitoring. Applicants must possess the ability to identify eastern birds by sight and sound; to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity; to endure biting insects; to work well with others, to collect complete and accurate data in the field without direct supervision; and to hike over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Applicants also must possess a valid drivers license and be willing to assist with other refuge projects such as invasive plant eradication and Piping Plover monitoring. Previous experience mist-netting songbirds is required, applicant must be experienced enough to band independently. Previous kayaking experience preferred. Position available May 13 - August 16. Salary $2100/month plus possible housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Rhonda Smith, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials [email protected]. Application deadline is January 27. SALT MARSH INTERNSHIP. New England salt marshes provide critical habitat for a number of plant and animal species, many of high conservation value. Interns will assist the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex in monitoring salt-marsh breeding birds and overall salt-marsh ecological integrity. Responsibilities include Saltmarsh Sparrow mist-netting and banding, nest searching and monitoring, as well as nekton and vegetation surveys. Experience with mist-netting songbirds, kayaking, eastern songbird identification and ornithology preferred. Applicants must possess the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity; to endure biting insects; to work well with others; and be in good physical shape and able to hike over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Applicants also must possess a valid drivers license and be willing to assist with other refuge projects such as invasive plant eradication and Piping Plover monitoring. One position available from May 13 to August 16. There is the possibility of position extending depending upon funding and job performance. Compensation $215/wk plus possible 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]. Application deadline is February 1.
