Field and Lab Assistant

2024 Field and Lab Assistant
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

About Us
The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR) is part of a network of 30 reserves within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), a partnership program between NOAA and the coastal states. This partnership protects more than 1.3 million acres of estuarine land and water for long-term research, education, stewardship, and training.
NBNERR is in the geographic center of Narragansett Bay, RI, and includes four islands: Prudence, Patience, Hope and Dyer. The Reserve’s headquarters are located on the south end of Prudence Island.  Prudence Island is only accessible from the mainland by ferry or boat and has limited commercial development. 

Job Description
NBNERR is seeking energetic applicants for a paid position to join a diverse team of environmental professionals. The full-time position runs for a minimum of 6 months with the opportunity for a full-time multi-year extension. This position begins late May/ early June 2024. NBNERR conducts research, monitoring, and stewardship in both estuarine and coastal terrestrial habitats on topics that include salt marsh restoration, water quality, upland habitat monitoring and management, and wildlife surveys including camera trapping. Although the duties of this position will vary, the primary responsibilities will be to assist with the Reserve’s long-term water quality monitoring program, the ongoing salt marsh and upland monitoring, and restoration projects. As time permits, additional duties will include assisting with a diversity of other research, monitoring, and mapping programs in the Reserve. This position is based on Prudence Island; however, some work may be conducted in other parts of Narragansett Bay watershed.

Housing in a shared 3-bedroom cottage is available at the Reserve on Prudence Island at no cost, as well as a monthly ferry ticket allowance. For staff living on the mainland and commuting daily to/from the Island, ferry tickets will be provided. This position reports to senior Reserve staff including the System Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) Coordinator, Research Coordinator, and Stewardship Coordinator. The successful candidate will be employed by the *Audubon Society of Rhode Island through a partnership with NBNERR at a rate of $18.25/hr.; 35 hrs./week.

Qualifications
Applicants, at minimum, should be nearing completion of their undergraduate degree or have completed a bachelor’s degree in marine science, ecology, biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, self-starting, experienced conducting both field studies and laboratory procedures, and comfortable in outdoor settings required for environmental field work.

Why should you apply?
Individuals looking for a great opportunity to contribute to protecting Narragansett Bay and interested in helping accomplish NBNERR’s mission should apply. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities in ecological monitoring and laboratory setting which will enhance skillsets, increase knowledge base, and add valuable experience and accomplishments to your resume.

To Apply
Applicants should send an electronic resume, cover letter, and names and contact information of three professional references to Dr. Daisy Durant at daisy.durant@dem.ri.gov. Please feel free to contact us at 401-683-7368 with questions about this position. 

Deadline
Application packages received by February 19, 2024, will receive full consideration.
A confirmation of receipt of the application will be sent by email. Emails and text messages will be sent to schedule Zoom interviews.

*Audubon Society of Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer.