POSITION TITLE: Seasonal Invasive Plant Management/ Rare Plant Monitoring Internships
RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns will carry out much needed control of invasive plants threatening coastal shrub-scrub and salt-marsh habitat, which are critical to migrating and breeding birds, as well as other species of wildlife. Control methods include hand-pulling, herbicide application, and cutting and digging with hand tools. Duties also include conducting annual monitoring of rare plants such as Agalinis acuta (sandplain gerardia) and Platanthera ciliaris (yellow-fringed orchid); and habitat mapping using GPS technology. LOCATION: Field work will take place in southern Rhode Island on the USFWS RI National Wildlife Refuges. Rhode Island’s 400 miles of coastline provide critical coastal wildlife habitat as well as public beaches, walking trails, shoreline cliffs, and historical lighthouses. New England’s coastal habitat currently faces a number of threats including aggressive exotic invasive plant species. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess excellent field botany skills, ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity, endure biting insects, work well with others, physical ability to hike while carrying tools and bagged plants, and a valid driver’s license. Experience using GPS units is a plus. SALARY: Two positions available: May 17 to August 20 (14 weeks) OR May 3 to November 12 (28 weeks). The 28 week position will also include vegetation surveys associated with a fall songbird banding project and the possibility of assisting with fall songbird mist netting as needed. Compensation $155-$210/wk plus housing. TO APPLY: By 2/19/2010; send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Rhonda Smith, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to Rhonda_SmithATfws.gov
