Visitor Services and Resources Management Refuge Operation Technician

Position: Visitor Services and Resources Management Refuge Operation Technician  

Duration: 12 weeks: Starting May 13, 2024 – August 2, 2024 

Location: Stewart B.McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, CT 06498

Fellowship Description: 

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a qualified person to serve as a Refuge Operation Technician working in beautiful coastal Connecticut while gaining valuable, well-rounded experience in the natural resources, public lands management and visitors services field.  Work can be conducted at any of the units on the refuge.  The majority of the work will be conducted in the New Haven Urban Refuge Partnership (in the city of New Haven), Outer Island Unit and the Falkner Island Unit of the Refuge.  The Fellow will work under the guidance of the Visitor Services Manager and work closely with other Refuge Operation Technician, service staff, as well as other refuge staff, including maintenance, biological or refuge management.

The Fellow will focus on: 

• General maintenance projects
• Enhancement of wildlife habitat, invasive plant management, wildlife and vegetation identification/surveys, data collection on seabirds and other wildlife, non-lethal predator management
• Interacting with the general public and leading organized education programs
• Small boat operations (training provided)
• Will require two overnight stays per week on the Falkner Island Unit of the refuge
• Developing and conducting educational and interpretive programs at the different units of the refuge.
• Work closely with organizations which make up the New Haven Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership to provided urban residents with opportunity to enjoy wildlife dependent recreation.
• Produce and provide information for the refuge’s social media account.
• Create digital content for refuge use in outreach and visitor services.
• Available for a wide range of refuge work that may include (but not limited to) invasive species removal, trail maintenance, general refuge maintenance, biological work, and administrative and office tasks.

Fellows will work and communicate with a HAF Program Manager during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. 

Job Requirements: 

• Work independently and in small teams
• Schedule will include working holidays and weekends
• Schedule will be approximately 40hrs/week – 5 days on and 2 days off for 12 weeks
• Work will often be labor-intensive and may be in adverse weather such as extreme heat or rain
• Physically able to lift 30lbs and walk miles over uneven terrain
• Will be required to stay on an island in rustic conditions for several nights a week
• Work includes hazards such as direct contact with poison ivy and plants with thorns, and biting insects including ticks and mosquitoes
• When at Falkner Island, technician must be able to work around thousands of birds who will be actively defending their territory/colony
• Will be required to wear a uniform to work every day
• May use power equipment with personal protective equipment
• Will operate a government vehicle – need to have a U.S. driver’s license (training provided)
• Will need a personal vehicle
• Must be flexible; weather may change work schedule due to boat transportation issues
• Due to the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Atlantic flyway, the person selected for this position will be required to follow safety protocols which may include wearing an N-95 mask.  This will require passing a N-95 fit test and a respirator medical evaluation.  If the tern colony is affected by HPAI, the staff on the island would be recalled from the island and given other duties including but not limited to visitor services, maintenance, and biological duties.
• US Citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

Stipend + Benefits:

• $627.6 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour workweek* ($15.69/hr)
• $1000 Monthly housing stipend  (Government housing is also available on site rate)
• $25 Weekly commuting stipend
• Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing 640 hours, PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for federal positions.

*This is a 1099 position. Persons paid on a 1099 basis are independent contractors and are self-employed. Independent contractors are required to pay all self-employment taxes (Social Security & Medicare) as well as income tax. Independent contractors generally do not receive any type of employment benefits from the client. For more information please refer to www.irs.gov or talk with a tax professional.

Application

HAF is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through HAF’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Stephanie Pereira at stephanie@hispanicaccess.org.

Applications for this position are due on on a rolling basis. Phone interviews and final decisions will be made by late April.

About Us: 

The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge works in partnership with a wide variety of individuals, agencies, and organizations to provide environmental education on the refuge and in the community, to encourage and support appropriate habitat conservation and management on public and private lands, and to protect and manage habitat. Land protected as refuge includes key habitats for neotropical migratory birds, waterfowl, and threatened and endangered species in the vicinity of the Connecticut coastline and the Long Island Sound. Over a period of decades, these partnerships have allowed, the Service to connect people to nature and promote wildlife and quality outdoor experiences to people who live in communities that span the rural to suburban, to urban gradient.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mission:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:

Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. HAF’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.