Position Title: Conservation Biology Intern (2 positions) 

Job Description: The position will support conservation activities at four units of the Long Island NWR Complex and provide the intern with an opportunity to study wildlife management techniques through actual field work. This internship will focus on several tasks such as monitoring populations of beach nesting birds (e.g. federally threatened piping plover, least and common tern, and American oystercatcher), predator management and invasive species management. Duties include setting up/taking down symbolic fencing/exclosures, population surveys, nest searches, behavioral observations, daily nest and brood monitoring, predator surveillance and trapping, invasive species mapping and control and public outreach. Additional duties include beach clean ups, monitoring threatened/endangered plant populations and maintaining visitor facilities. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in other ongoing refuge management activities and visitor services programs. On-the-job-training will be provided by a wildlife biologist. The intern will work 5 days a week, including weekends, holidays, and nights for a total of 40 hours/week with minimal supervision. Shifts will be limited to 8 hours per day, but must be flexible in start and end times. A government vehicle is provided for work tasks. A background check will be required to gain access to facilities and computer use.

Position Title: Invasive Species Intern (1-2 positions) 

Job Description: Interns will work with Refuge staff on the early detection-rapid response invasive species project at Oyster Bay, Target Rock, Seatuck and Wertheim NWRs. This internship will provide individuals with the opportunity to develop invasive species management skills, including identification, mapping and control. Primary duties include: invasive species surveys and mapping of infestations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS); monitoring and control of invasive plants using a variety of mechanical and chemical techniques with a focus on priority species such as water chestnut, Japanese stiltgrass, Chinese silvergrass and black swallow-wort. Other duties include: salt marsh monitoring, grassland restoration, beach nesting bird surveys, public outreach and visitor services, beach cleanups, trail and visitor facilities maintenance and other on-going refuge management activities. Interns will work 5 days a week, including weekends, for a total of 40 hours/week with minimal supervision. Shifts will be 8 hours per day, but must be flexible, sometimes beginning at 6 am and ending at 8 pm. A government vehicle is provided for work tasks and a valid driver’s license is required.

Position Title: Visitor Services Intern (1 position) 

Job Description: If you like interacting with people, both young and old, this is the internship for you!! This lucky intern will become a member of the Long Island Refuge Complex’s Visitor Services team, stationed at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge. The primary focus of the internship will be three fold: a) staffing a remote visitor contact station, b) develop and conduct educational and interpretive programs for the visiting public; and c) assisting with a nature based summer camp at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley, NY. The intern will be responsible for conducting outreach to the local community to advertise the educational and recreational opportunities available at the refuge. These duties provide interns with the opportunity to reach diverse groups of people with a knowledge and appreciation of the environment and the National Wildlife Refuge System. In order to ensure a well-rounded experience, this intern will also assist with natural resource management (i.e. biology) activities such as invasive species and endangered species management. This will allow for an all-around view of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife on Long Island.