2025 Invasive Plant Monitoring & Control Assistant

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Job Type	Paid Internship
Salary	$500 - $500 per week
Deadline	Apr 11, 2025
Experience	0 - 1 years

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16 weeks (~May 12th–September 1st, 2025)

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is looking for a qualified and enthusiastic individual to be our 2025 Invasive Plant Seasonal Assistant.

The technician will spend about 80% of their time working on mapping and controlling invasive species. Approximately 25 non-native invasive plant species will be mapped at Rachel Carson and Great Thicket NWR in southern Maine. Lands are surveyed on the ground using an established 50×50 meter grid system, and information about species presence, abundance, growth stage, and more, are recorded using ESRI Field Maps with an iPad. It is preferred that the intern have some experience managing invasives and collecting data in Arc GIS Online (AGOL).

Training in mapping invasives and plant identification will be provided. The technician will also spend considerable time working with volunteers to hand pull or cut invasive species in upland and wetland habitats.

The remaining 20% of the technicians’ time will be spent assisting with other biological work including piping plover management, assisting in our native plant greenhouse and restoring native habitats. The technician will work approximately 40 hours per week, with some weekend work required.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge provides an opportunity to build your biological monitoring and management skills by working with a team of experienced field biologists. Interns are an essential part of our operations, and if selected, you will become a dynamic member of our skilled and motivated team. Deadline to apply: 11 April 2025

General requirements:

U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
Valid state driver's license.
Must be able to work independently; must have good observational skills and communication skills.
Schedule flexibility, including weekend, holidays, and morning/ evening shifts
Personal vehicle for personal use; work vehicles are provided for travel from station

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with identification of northeastern non-native invasive species.
Experience using ESRI Field Maps and ArcGIS are preferred, but not required.
Applicants should have an academic background in ecology or related fields.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and in a group.
Experience working in challenging field conditions.
Flexible, independent self-starter personality.

Benefits:

$500 weekly living stipend
Free co-ed bunkhouse style lodging on Rachel Carson NWR. Modern furnished facilities with laundry and Wi-Fi may be available
Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
Work vehicle and equipment provided

HOW TO APPLY

Please do not send applications by mail.

Email one application package(s) as a single .PDF file to COLIN MCKEVITT (Colin_McKevitt@fws.gov) by 11 April 2025 that includes:

Cover letter that addresses the listed qualifications for the position
Resume documenting your work experience, education, skills, interests, contact information, etc.
Contact information for three professional references (must include email and phone number for each reference).

To be considered, application packet must have all items combined into a SINGLE PDF file.
In the subject line, please enter “Invasive Plant Assistant” and the first letter of your first name followed by your full last name.
Selections may begin before the closing date; we recommend applying early.
Candidates are required to participate in a phone/MS Teams interview.

For More Information Contact:

Colin McKevitt

Biological Technician

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

321 Port Road

Wells, ME 04090

(207) 770-5686

Colin_mckevitt@fws.gov

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson/

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

THANK YOU!