Salt Marsh Internship/Avian Monitoring Internship: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells, ME

2023 Internship Opportunities

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. Deadline to apply: 10 February 2023

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:

§  $400 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

Avian Monitoring Internship:

12 weeks (~May 8th–July 28th, 2023)

One full time intern is needed to support avian monitoring projects (piping plover, least tern, and saltmarsh sparrow) on Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. This position requires a strong interest in bird conservation, the ability to locate and monitor cryptic shorebirds 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 nesting birds, monitoring productivity from egg laying to fledging, erecting predator exclosures, posting and maintaining symbolic fencing, re-sighting and recording band codes, assisting with tidal marsh bird monitoring, and data entry. Additional responsibilities (30% of duties) include but are not limited to: providing public outreach and education, habitat restoration and management, and general refuge maintenance /operations.

Intern 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.

Salt Marsh Internship:

12 weeks (~June 5th–August 25th, 2023)

One full time intern is needed to support Land Management and Research Demonstration (LMRD) projects on Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. This position requires a strong interest in coastal ecology. Applicants should be able to identify coastal/estuarine plants using prior knowledge/field guides. Candidates should also be able to conduct field surveys/monitoring for native vegetation and environmental conditions as well as perform hand removal of invasive plants. The successful applicant will also have basic statistical, GPS, and GIS knowledge.

Primary responsibilities (80% of duties) include but are not limited to: tidal marsh surveys/monitoring and data entry. Additional responsibilities (20% of duties) include but are not limited to: providing public outreach and education, habitat restoration and management, and general refuge maintenance /operations.

Intern will be required to work some weekends and holidays. Intern must be able to work in small groups and independently with minimal supervision, follow written protocols, be attentive to details, accurately complete datasheets, and communicate with senior staff members. This position requires the employee to conduct field work in varied conditions (harsh sunlight to light rain, firm to unstable footing, moist to hip deep water), carry moderate loads (30-50 lbs), use hand tools to dig/pull plants, and exposure to high humidity and biting insects. Familiarity and comfortability as a passenger on small watercraft is a plus. Intern must possess valid driver’s license.

How to Apply:

Email one application package(s) as a single .PDF file to COLIN MCKEVITT (Colin_McKevitt@fws.gov) by 10 February 2023 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.

To be clear which internship(s) you are applying for. Applications must be named with internship type and first/last name

RCNWR_avian_LastFirst

RCNWR_saltmarsh_LastFirst

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

·      If applying to multiple positions, you must submit each as its own application package (properly named .PDF)

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

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

For More Information Contact:

Colin McKevitt

Biological Technician

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

321 Port Road

Wells, ME 04090

(207) 646-9226 x35

Colin_mckevitt@fws.gov

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson/