Biology Crew Intern

Biology Crew Internship

Start Date: May 21, 2024

End Date: October 4, 2024

*21 week commitment is preferred – start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility*

$520 per week, free gov’t housing may be available

Job Description:

Looking for a challenging and fulfilling internship in Conservation? The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking one Biology Crew intern to join a passionate and innovative team in assisting refuge biologists with the management and restoration of coastal habitats and performing multifaceted wildlife studies.

The intern will assist USFWS biologists with natural resource projects at the Rhode Island NWR Complex. The primary focus of the internship includes mapping and controlling invasive species (mechanical and chemical) and planting native species to restore salt marsh and early successional habitats.

The intern will also gain valuable field experience assisting with wildlife studies including saltmarsh sparrow demographic surveys (banding and nest monitoring), New England cottontail survival monitoring (telemetry), box turtle assessments, spadefoot toad surveys, and conducting rare plant surveys. The intern may have an opportunity to work on additional projects including colonial waterbird census, assisting with shorebird recovery efforts for piping plover, least tern, and American oystercatcher, and participating in environmental outreach with the Visitor Services program. The intern will also have an opportunity to assist with managing databases, producing GIS maps, and writing summary reports.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. Government contracts 
• Must posses a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate pickup trucks 
• Capable of following protocols and collecting data with great attention to detail 
• Physically capable of walking miles a day over uneven terrain 
• Willingness to apply herbicides for chemical management of invasive plant species 
• Comfortable working under adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, poison ivy, etc.)
• Capable of working independently and in a group 
• Posses a positive attitude and capable of interacting professionally with other staff and members of the public