Position Description: The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking two (2) biology interns to assist with managing coastal habitats and performing multifaceted wildlife studies in southern Rhode Island. The positions will be hired through Northwoods Stewardship Center and function as independent contractors working at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of five
National Wildlife Refuges and protects a unique collection of coastal sandplain and beach strand communities which represents some of the last undeveloped seacoast in southern New England. Leading the way in the protection and restoration of tidal wetlands and early successional coastal habitats, the Refuge Complex ensures long-term sustainability of migratory and resident wildlife populations and contributes to the recovery of threatened and endangered species.
Most of the work for these positions will take place outdoors. Duties include but are not limited to, mapping and controlling non-native/invasive plant species (mechanical and chemical treatments), propagating/planting native plants for habitat restoration, and supporting New England cottontail recovery efforts by maintaining a captive breeding pen and performing basic husbandry duties for cottontails. Interns will also gain valuable field experience assisting with wildlife studies, including saltmarsh sparrow demographic surveys (banding and nest monitoring), New England cottontail survival monitoring (telemetry), spadefoot toad surveys, native bee surveys, and rare plant monitoring. Interns may have opportunities to gain additional experience assisting on other projects during the internship, including colonial waterbird censuses, shorebird and tern management (piping plover, least tern, and American oystercatcher), and participating in environmental outreach with the Visitor Services program.
Qualifications: Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to hike long distances (up to 4 miles a day) on uneven terrain carrying a 30-pound backpack sprayer. Applicants should have a strong interest in conservation, possess a positive attitude, and able to work as part of team or independently without direct supervision. Must be capable of working under adverse field conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, biting insects, poison ivy, and walking through dense brush). Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely operate pickup trucks.
Position Dates: Two positions are available (24 weeks) from mid-May to mid-October. Start and end dates may be flexible. Work schedule will be 5 days per week, generally Monday through Friday, however, occasional weekend work may be required depending on work tasks and weather.
Salary: $520/week. Shared, co-ed refuge housing is provided.
How To Apply:
Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references as a single PDF document with “Biology Internship 2025” in the subject line to
ricomplex_seasonals@fws.gov by
February 24, 2025. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled as they are received, so you are encouraged to apply early.