Internship Opportunity: Bandon Marsh and Oregon Islands NWR

Internship Title: Refuge Operations Intern (1 Position)

Internship Sponsor: Shoreline Education for Awareness, Inc. (www.sea-edu.org) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Internship Location: Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, South Coast Refuge Office, 83673 North Bank Lane, Bandon, OR 97411

Term of Service: Approximately April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 (6 months). DUE TO FUNDING SOURCE RESTRICTIONS, WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT APPLICANTS BORN AFTER APRIL 1, 1985 (AGE 35 OR YOUNGER).

Position Summary: The Refuge Operations Intern will work with the refuge manager and refuge volunteers for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex to achieve refuge operations needs and gain a wide variety of experience with responsibilities related to three basic functions: maintenance, biology, and visitor services.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, monitor, map, and remove invasive plants including gorse, scotch broom, English ivy, cotoneaster and others.
• Conduct weekly nest monitoring of black oyster-catchers at Crook Point, Oregon Islands NWR.
• Assist with the development of a new public trail at Bandon Marsh NWR including helping to build and maintain the trail as well as encouraging public use by getting the word out.
• Assist with bi-monthly mosquito monitoring activities at the Ni-les’tun Unit.
• Assist with pollinator garden activities including organizing volunteer days, planting, seeding and weeding.
• Develop a display in the newly built South Coast headquarters for public education and information on a topic of the intern’s choice.
• Maintain existing trails including hedge trimming, mowing, and trash pickup
• Participate in active land management and restoration projects that benefit migratory birds and rare coastal headland prairie habitat at Crook Point. Interns will learn about conservation planning by working on projects directly stipulated in the Complex CCPs.

• Attend coastal fairs, celebrations and events to promote the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Deliver three evening campground programs for campers at Bullards Beach State Park.
• Provide occasional assistance to volunteer interpreters at Oregon Islands NWR public use areas. Must be able to identify focal seabirds and marine mammals of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and use binoculars, field guides, spotting scopes, and portable signs.

• Speak with visitors about the purpose of the wildlife refuge, answer their wildlife and refuge related questions, and identify wildlife.
• Help protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety by informing visitors of potential safety hazards and attempting to correct minor infractions through interpretation. Document illegal visits or trespass into closed areas. Interns shall not engage in law enforcement.

Internship Requirements (you must have all of these to qualify):

• Some undergraduate coursework or formal training in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science or a related field. Completed Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to spend the majority of the workday outdoors.
• Experience conducting avian or plant-based biological surveys, invasives species monitoring, and a familiarity with marine and estuarine ecosystems.
• Experience with general maintenance, trail maintenance, and mowing.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, evenings, and limited overnight travel.

Additional Qualifications: Applicants must have the ability to perform the physical duties of the position including being able to hike over difficult terrain, climb onto offshore rocks and being able to lift and carry at least 20 pounds. Prior experience working on National Wildlife Refuges is preferred but not required. Applicants must be able to work with minimal supervision, be very independent and easy-going, and be able to work with the public of all ages in a professional manner regarding conservation issues.

Intern Benefits Include:

• A taxable, monthly living allowance of $1,200.
• Upon successful completion of the term of service, a bonus of $900 (prorated by the length of service).
• Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
• Free housing at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge including utilities. Intern will have private bedroom, with ample shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and living space, wi-fi, and TV with DVD player (no cable). No pets allowed.

Transportation Information:

• Government vehicle is available for official work duties only.
• Intern is responsible for personal transportation needs.

Questions about the position?

Contact: Refuge Manager Kate Iaquinto, kate_iaquinto@fws.gov, 541-347-1470

How to Apply: Send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for at least three references (must include email and phone number for each reference listed) by email to: Kate_Iaquinto@fws.gov. DO NOT send applications by mail.

Additional information about Bandon Marsh NWR and the Oregon Coast NWR Complex:

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/bandon_marsh
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/oregon_islands

http://www.facebook.com/usfwsoregoncoast