Deadline: Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Georgia Location Detail: Townsend, Georgia Job Description: The incumbent serves as the Lead Biological Technician on Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge responsible for nest monitoring of threatened loggerhead sea turtles. Duties will focus on locating, protecting, and marking loggerhead sea turtle nests; excavating nests to determine hatching success; and collecting and recording nest data; and data entry into Seaturtle.org daily. Additionally, duties may include monitoring beach-nesting shorebirds as well as human disturbance on beaches. Ancillary duties include general maintenance of island facilities such as mowing grass; clearing roads and trails; UTV maintenance; use of weed eaters, pole saws, and hand tools; identification and removal of invasive species using appropriate techniques including herbicides; and general maintenance of the bunkhouse. The incumbent will supervise up to three (3) volunteer technicians. Blackbeard Island NWR is accessible only by boat. Boat transportation will be provided to and from the island. Qualifications: • Must be at least 18 years old; • Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g. wildlife management, ecology, zoology, biology) required; • Ability to follow data collection and management protocols with great attention to detail; • Must be able to work independently and supervise a small crew on a remote island; • Able to conduct strenuous work outdoors in adverse summer conditions on the coast of Georgia. Conditions include but are not limited to extreme heat, long periods in the sun, and exposure to biting insects. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. • Team player with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; • Able to work with the public, refuge personnel, and public figures in a professional manner; • Positive demeanor with demonstrated ability to solve problems in group settings and individually; • Ability to manage priorities and ensure that all primary responsibilities are met; • Safely operate Kawasaki UTVs; • Experience with GPS units; • Valid driver’s license required. Preferred Qualifications in addition to above: • Experience performing sea turtle nest monitoring field work including nest location, protection, and marking. • Knowledge of sea turtle biology; • Department of the Interior Motorboat Operators Certification Course; • Some mechanical skills are a plus. Miscellaneous: Work Schedule: Start Date: Early May or sooner for those not in school. End Date: mid-August or longer pending availability Work Schedule: 10 days on Blackbeard Island and 4 days off (housing provided off island) Salary: GS-4 (17.00/hr) - approximate Benefits: Free quality housing on Blackbeard Island NWR. Includes AC, washer/dryer, full kitchen. Off-island housing provided at Harris Neck NWR for the 4 days off. How to Apply: Submit application package including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Email applications to Chuck_Hayes@fws.gov
