Avian Monitoring Internship

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge provides an opportunity to build your biological monitoring and management skills by working with a team of skilled field biologists. Interns are an essential part of our operations, and if selected, you will become a dynamic member of our skilled and motivated team.

Duration: 12 weeks (~May 6th–July 29th, 2024) and (~May 27th – August 19th)

Deadline to apply: 18 February 2024

Two full time interns are needed to support avian monitoring projects (piping plover, least tern, and saltmarsh sparrow) at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. These positions require strong interest in bird conservation, the ability to locate and monitor cryptic shorebirds/saltmarsh birds and their young, as well as identify avian and mammalian predators by tracks and sign. Prior experience bird banding (mist net extraction, banding), and nest searching are not required, but are advantageous.

Primary responsibilities (70% of duties) include but are not limited to: censusing a variety of beach and saltmarsh nesting birds, monitoring productivity from egg laying to fledging, erecting predator exclosures, posting and maintaining symbolic fencing, re-sighting and recording band codes, nest searching, assisting with mist netting and banding operations, assisting with point counts and data entry. Additional responsibilities (30% of duties) include but are not limited to: providing public outreach and education, vegetation surveys, habitat restoration and management, and general refuge maintenance /operations.

Note: One intern will be more shorebird focused and the other will be more saltmarsh bird focused, though we anticipate both interns will work with species from both ecosystems. The duration of the shorebird internship is ~May 6th–July 29th and the duration of the saltmarsh bird internship is ~ May 27th – August 19th.

Interns will be working flexible hours (sunrise/sunset) and some weekends and holidays. Interns must be able to work in varied climatic conditions (harsh sunlight to rain, firm to unstable footing (sand, salt marsh; shallow to hip- deep water), exposure to high temperatures/humidity, biting insects), carry moderate loads (30-50 lbs) over long distances and use hand tools to dig/ pull vegetation. Intern must possess valid driver’s license, have good communication and organizational skills, ability to work well with others and independently with minimal supervision, and be an enthusiastic field worker.

General requirements:

-U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

-Valid state driver's license.

-Must be able to work independently; must have good observational skills and communication skills.

-Schedule flexibility, including weekend, holidays, and morning/ evening shifts.

-Willingness to follow federal COVID-19 policies and guidance.

Benefits:

-$450 weekly living stipend

-Free co-ed bunkhouse style lodging on Rachel Carson NWR (as COVID-19 regulations allow). Modern furnished facilities with laundry and Wi-Fi may be available.

-Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.

-Work vehicle and equipment provided.

How to Apply:

Email one application package(s) as a single .PDF file to NICOLE SANDERS (Nicole_sanders@fws.gov) by 18 February 2024 that includes:

1.            Cover letter that addresses the listed qualifications for the position of interest.

2.            Resume documenting your work experience, education, skills, interests, contact information, etc.

3.            Contact information for three professional references (must include email and phone number for each reference).

4.            Unofficial copy of current college transcript.

Applications must be named with the following naming convention:

RCNWR_avian_LastFirst

•             To be considered, application packet must have all four items combined into a SINGLE PDF file and follow the naming convention above.

•             Selections may begin before the closing date; we recommend applying early.

•             Candidates are required to participate in a phone/MS Teams interview.