U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague
National Wildlife Refuge Complex 2022 Biological Internship Opportunities
Interns are an essential part of operations at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia. Once selected, you will become a dynamic member of our skilled and motivated team. Together we will harness the power of communication, science, and innovation to increase visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of wildlife refuges while actively monitoring and protecting the wildlife that call this refuge home. Sound like your kind of place? You supply the time and interest, and we’ll provide the experience of a lifetime.
Habitat Management Internship: 17 weeks (April 25–August 19, 2022)
One full time intern is needed to assist with monitoring and managing a variety of habitats (maritime forest, freshwater wetland, salt marsh, beach strand) located on the barrier island and mainland properties of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia.
Primary responsibilities (80% of duties) include but are not limited to: monitoring and managing southern pine beetle infestations, monitoring vegetation affected by pony grazing and water management, mapping and eradicating invasive plant species common to the Mid-Atlantic region, and monitoring federally threatened seabeach amaranth.
Additional responsibilities (20% of duties) include but are not limited to: monitoring and managing Delmarva fox squirrel and participating in environmental education and interpretation events.
Desired qualifications: knowledge of coastal habitats, previous experience with habitat sampling, familiarity with field research
techniques, data collection
procedures, GIS and computer skills helpful.
Coastal Waterbird Internship: 15 weeks (April 25–August 5, 2022)
Two full time interns are needed to assist with monitoring coastal nesting and migrating birds (piping plover, Wilson's plover, least tern, black skimmer, American
oystercatcher, and red knot), on the Assateague Island and Assawoman Island units of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia.
Primary responsibilities (80% of duties) include but are not limited to: censusing a variety of beach nesting birds, monitoring productivity from egg laying to fledging, erecting predator exclosures, posting and maintaining symbolic fencing, re sighting and recording banded birds, data entry, report writing and daily truck and ATV maintenance.
Additional responsibilities (20% of duties) include but are not limited to: marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, assisting with sea turtle nest monitoring and management, participating in environmental education and interpretation events.
Desired qualifications: strong interest in avian conservation and experience using optical equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes), previous coastal bird experience, familiarity with field research techniques, data collection
procedures, GIS and computer skills helpful.
General requirements:
· U.S. citizen, national or
· lawful permanent resident.
· Recent college graduate or current student with a minimum of junior status in wildlife biology or related field.
· Ability to work independently under adverse
· environmental conditions
· (heat, humidity, wind, biting insects)
· Ability to walk in difficult
· terrain for long distances (5 miles per day) and carry
· field equipment (30-40 lbs)
· Good observational and
· communication skills, good
· hearing and eyesight, the
· ability to work well with others, live in close quarters, and be an enthusiastic field worker.
· Valid state driver's license, 4- wheel driving experience and must be comfortable riding
· ATVs.
· Schedule flexibility (9 to 12 hours daily) including weekend and evening shifts
Benefits:
· Experience of a lifetime!
· Free co-ed bunkhouse style lodging on Chincoteague NWR (if COVID19 regulations allow).
· Modern furnished facilities with laundry, Wi-Fi, and TV in common area.
· Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
· Training, work vehicle, equipment, and FWS volunteer uniforms provided.
How to Apply:
Email application (one PDF) to Katie Walker that includes:
· Cover letter
· Resume
· Contact information for three professional references (including email and phone number)
Please be clear which internship you are applying for. Applications should be named with internship type and first and last names:
CNWR_habitat_LastFirst
CNWR_waterbird_LastFirst
Closing date: February 20, 2022 Selections may begin before the closing date; we recommend applying early.
For more information contact:
Katie Walker
Wildlife Biologist
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 8231 Beach Road
Chincoteague, VA 23336
757-336-6122 x2320
Katie_Walker@fws.gov
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague/