Refuge Operation Technician (Resource Management and Visitor Services) Connecticut

Duration: Begin May 13th; end date flexible – usually August or September 2024
Job Type: Seasonal Position
Salary: $720/week; limited housing may be available
Overview: Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a qualified person to serve as a Refuge Operation Technician working in beautiful coastal Connecticut while gaining valuable, well-rounded experience in the natural resources, public lands management and visitors services field. This position is based at Outer Island in Branford, but the selectee will also work at the Falkner Island seabird colony in Guilford, and possibly other areas of the refuge.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• general maintenance projects
• enhancement of wildlife habitat, invasive plant management, wildlife and vegetation identification/surveys, data collection on seabirds and other wildlife, non-lethal predator management
• interacting with the general public and leading organized education programs
• small boat operations (training provided)
• will require two overnight stays per week on the Falkner Island Unit of the refuge

Job Requirements:

• work independently and in small teams
• schedule will include working holidays and weekends
• schedule will be approximately 40hrs/week – 5 days on and 2 days off
• work will often be labor-intensive and may be in adverse weather such as extreme heat or rain
• need to be physically able to lift 30lbs and walk miles over uneven terrain
• will be required to stay on an island in rustic conditions for several nights a week
• work includes hazards such as direct contact with poison ivy and plants with thorns, and biting insects including ticks and mosquitoes
• when at Falkner Island, technician must be able to work around thousands of birds who will be actively defending their territory/colony
• will be required to wear a uniform to work every day
• may use power equipment with personal protective equipment
• will operate a government vehicle – need to have a U.S. driver’s license (training provided)
• will need to drive personal vehicle to docking facilities
• must be flexible; weather may change work schedule due to boat transportation issues
• applicant must be a U.S. citizen and be 18-30 years of age (or up to 35 if a U.S. veteran)
• due to the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Atlantic flyway, the person selected for this position will be required to follow safety protocols which may include wearing an N-95 mask. This will require passing a N-95 fit test and a respirator medical evaluation. If the tern colony is affected by HPAI, the staff on the island would be recalled from the island and given other duties including but not limited to visitor services, maintenance, and biological duties.

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