Deadline: Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: US Fish and Wildlife Job Field: Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Florida Location Detail: Florida Keys, Florida Job Description: This position will help take care of government property by assisting with the management of an island field station and a variety of native and non-native flora and fauna projects on Ballast Key and neighboring islands within Key West National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Ballast Key is a 14-acre island located within Key West NWR. Lying 8 miles west of Key West, it is accessible only by boat. The island is being managed as a subtropical research station that supports marine and coastal scientific research and education. Volunteers selected will reside on Ballast Key to conduct their duties, there, and within other areas of Key West NWR during the duration of the residency. Duties Interns are expected to work 40 hours/week. This may include nights, early mornings, and weekend work as needed. Volunteer work includes both biological (approximately 50%) and facility maintenance/ management (approximately 50%). Duties may include: • Manual invasive plant removal and animal control. • Native plant propagation and restoration. • Wildlife surveys. • Marine debris removal. • Data entry and report writing assistance. • Providing welcome and orientation to researchers and other short-term volunteers to the island. • Stock and organize supplies in the carpentry/mechanic shop. • Infrastructure and grounds upkeep. • Generator use and monitoring. • Solar system upkeep. • Catchment water purification and management. • Secondary duties may include to run errands and deliveries – i.e. pick up supplies, drop off recycling, or transport supplies. • Assist with other projects as assigned based on the needs of the refuge which could include assisting with janitorial duties. • Other duties may include tasks that are more physical in nature such as assisting with: landscaping, invasive plant removal, organizing and cleaning refuge warehouses and many other projects that are on the refuge “long-term to do list”. • Additional special projects and duties may be requested. Qualifications: Skill Checklist Biology, Carpentry, Drivers License, First Aid Certificate, Fish/Wildlife, General Assistance, Hand Power Tools, Office/Clerical, Photography, Working with People Attention to detail, comfort with basic tools, good listening skills. Willingness to closely follow directions from staff. Willingness to always wear all proper personal protective equipment. The position will require consistent attention to repetitive routine tasks. Miscellaneous: Training Training for this position will be provided by a Refuge staff member. This training will involve an introduction to the mission and goals of the Service, information on the function of the Service and any training they need to perform assigned responsibilities. Orientation will also include site-specific safety and health program information. Work Environment Interns typically work in a pair, but occasionally in small groups with staff and other volunteers on the refuge priority projects in outdoor settings. Some duties require a willingness to adapt to varying levels of outdoor weather including sun, rain, wind exposure, and biting insects. Can be physically and mentally demanding -- able to walk miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 25 lbs., swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions. Interns must have strong oral communication, patience, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. The position may require you to work independently or as a team. Interns must be comfortable working independently in remote areas without facilities. Job Hazard General housekeeping; slip, trip, and fall hazards, Equipment maintenance. This is a wildlife refuge, so volunteers will encounter a variety of animals, birds, reptiles, and biting insects, which should not be handled. Volunteer/interns follows safety guidelines and uses the required personal protective equipment to carry out all duties in a safe manner. Volunteer immediately reports all injuries and safety hazards to the on-duty supervisor. Whenever on duty, volunteer behaves in a manner that reflects well on the US Fish and Wildlife Services and complies with the ethical standards of the US Department of the Interior. When/as deemed necessary by supervisor, volunteer will assist with biological surveys, plant and animal management (including invasive species removal and duck banding), and water management activities. Salary: unpaid How to Apply: To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and resumes to katy_hosokawa@fws.gov.
