Refuge Operation Technician (Seabird Research) Falkner Island, Connecticut

REFUGE OPERATION TECHNICIAN (SEABIRD RESEARCH) Falkner Island, Connecticut

Location: Falkner Island, CT – Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

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

Job Type: Seasonal Position

Salary: $720/week; limited housing maybe available

Job Description:  Stewart B. McKinney NWR is looking for two qualified individuals to be our 2024 Refuge Operation Technicians stationed on Falkner Island to monitor terns. Duties of this technician position include but are not limited to:

• monitoring productivity of roseate and common terns on Falkner Island
• identifying both species’ prey items (typically small fish) and recording data
• band re-sighting (fledglings and adults) from field blinds and other locations
• banding common tern chicks
• participating in non-lethal predator management
• completing maintenance projects and invasive species control
• educating the public and assisting with training of other seasonals working on the island

Job Requirements:

• The position is based on an island in a bird colony with thousands of birds. Technician must be able to work around birds who will be actively defending their territory/colony.
• This position involves working long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• The technician will spend 5 days living on the island in rustic conditions and 2 days off.
• Weather and wave height may change work schedule due to transportation issues.
• Work will be labor intensive and may be in adverse weather – need to be physically able to lift 30lbs and walk miles over uneven and rocky 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, mosquitoes, and biting flies
• Will be required to wear a uniform to work every day, operate a boat, and drive Refuge vehicles
• May use power equipment with personal protective equipment
• Must take and pass the DOI’s Motorboat Operation Certification Course
• Will need to drive personal vehicle to/from Guilford dock when meeting boat
• Applicant must be a US citizen, have a US Driver’s License, and be 18-30 years of age (or up to 35 if a U.S. veteran)
• Will be required to provide information about banding experience for permitting purposes
• 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