Piping Plover/Shorebird Technician

Position Description: Four (4) shorebird technicians are needed to work as part of the Piping Plover recovery project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Rhode Island. Technicians will be hired through Northwoods Stewardship Center and function as independent contractors at USFWS.  This project monitors federally-protected Piping Plovers, as well as Least Terns and American Oystercatchers during the nesting season. Fieldwork will occur on federal, state, and private property in southern Rhode Island. The majority of the work for this position(s) will take place outdoors. Duties include posting and signing nesting habitat, nest searching, setting up nest exclosures, educating the public, monitoring shorebird pairs and chicks, and recording and entering data.  Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to hike long distances (up to 7 miles per day) on soft sand with packs and scopes, and must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Must be a team player, have a positive attitude, and be willing to work on other projects within the biological program as needed.t Applicants should be able to work well as part of team led by a Wildlife Biologist or Crew Leader, and be able to work independently without direct supervision if needed.  Applicants also must be comfortable regularly interacting with private landowners, partner organizations, and the public in a professional manner. Work schedule will be 5 days per week, including weekends and holidays with two regular consecutive days off during the week.

Requirements: Applicants are required to have or be working towards a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources- related field.  Previous experience with biological data collection in a field setting is required. Applicants should have a strong interest in conservation and wildlife. Applicants are required to have a valid U.S. driver’s license and must be willing to take a motorboat operator certification course if needed. 

Position Dates: Technicians are needed starting ~March 18th. Positions extend to mid-August. Some flexibility in start/end dates may be available or well-qualified candidates.

Salary: $640/week. Housing not provided. Candidates must have their own housing within commuting distance of Charlestown, RI.

How to Apply: Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a single document to ricomplex_seasonals@fws.gov by January 19, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so you are encouraged to apply early.