Invasive Plant Monitoring & Control Assistant (Connecticut)

Location: Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge – Coastal Connecticut (HQ in Westbrook, CT)

Duration: Beginning May 13th, 2024 to August 2nd, 2024 (12 weeks)

Job Type: Seasonal Position/Paid Internship/Full-Time (40hr/week)

Stipend: $720/week before tax/limited housing maybe available

Job Description: Stewart B. McKinney NWR is looking for a qualified individual to be our 2024 Invasive Plant Seasonal Assistant.  This person will assist the refuge wildlife biologist with several projects:

• controlling tree-of-heaven resprouts and other invasives at the Milford Point Unit
• helping to control swallow-wort in test plots on Chimon Island
• helping to control Japanese knotweed at the Salt Meadow Unit
• leading volunteer days to control invasive plants on refuge units
• mapping invasive plants on Great Thicket NWR in eastern Connecticut (North Stonington)
• other monitoring and control activities from Stonington to Greenwich, CT

Duties include but are not limited to:

• mapping invasive plant species for inventory/monitoring using mobile apps
• conducting invasive plant control
• working with volunteers
• talking with/educating the public
• helping with island boat transportation

Job Requirements:

• work mostly independent but may work in teams
• schedule includes working all holidays and will be Monday through Friday
• schedule will be approximately 40hrs/wk
• work will be labor intensive and may be in adverse weather such as extreme heat and rain – need to be physically able to lift 30lbs and walk miles over uneven terrain
• work includes hazards such as direct contact with poison ivy and plants with thorns, as well as conditions with biting insects to include ticks and mosquitoes
• will be required to wear a uniform to work every day
• may use power equipment with personal protective equipment
• will need to operate a refuge vehicle – need to have a U.S. driver’s license
• will need to operate refuge boats (technician will need to pass Motorboat Operation training course giving at the refuge)
• will need to drive personal vehicle to work sites (no reimbursement)
• applicant must be a US citizen and be 18-30 years of age (or up to 35 if a U.S. veteran)

Qualifications:

• ability to do labor-intensive outdoor work
• flexible, independent self-starter personality
• ability to work alone and in teams
• ability to work with the public of all ages in a professional manner