Wildlife monitoring / Land Steward Intern

EASTERN COPPERHEAD RESEARCH:

The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) has partnered with Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) on an eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) radio-telemetry research project. We are seeking a responsible, detail-oriented person that, once trained, is able and willing to work in the outdoors alone and as part of a team. Time will be divided between field work and project administration. Field work will consist of eastern copperhead radio-tracking using radio telemetry and environmental data collection approximately 3 days/week, and invasive species removal and habitat stewardship for rare species approximately 2 days/week. Administrative activities will include GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping and data management which will be performed for short periods of time daily and/or during inclement weather.
Duties:
1. Assist with radio tracking of multiple eastern copperheads, including extensive off-trail searching.
2. Ecological data collection (hiking to remote, difficult to reach locations, assisting with measurements)
3. Perform invasive species control in sensitive habitats using mechanical (hand) removal and frequent application of herbicides (training will be provided)
4. Perform stewardship activities that benefit rare species in the area (planting native plants, moving heavy logs/rocks/debris, etc.).
5. Administrative activities including GIS mapping, data management, equipment management and other computer tasks.
6. Perform tasks as assigned by the stewardship staff.
Qualifications:
1. Enrollment in or completion of Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resource
management or related fields is preferred
2. Knowledge of invasive species identification and management is preferred
3. Knowledge of flora and fauna of New Jersey is preferred
4. Knowledge of GPS/GIS is preferred
5. Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain is required
6. Ability to stay motivated and productive while working alone outdoors is required
7. Willingness to learn to handle eastern copperheads (i.e., catch with a snake hook and snake bag in the field and/or release in the field after lab-processing) is required

Start – End Dates:
Approximately June 1st – October 31st
• A commitment is required for the full term of the internship, some flexibility is available if discussed at the time of hiring.
Location:
• Field Work / Office Work: Mercer County
• Lab: Rutgers University, Cook/Douglas Campus, New Brunswick, Middlesex County
• ENSP office: Hampton, Hunterdon County

To apply, please email the following materials by Friday, March 3, 2023:
Applications missing any of these items will not be considered.
1. A cover letter addressing how your education/experience qualifies you to accomplish the job duties listed above
2. A resume (maximum of two pages)
3. Provide names, e-mails, phone numbers, and mailing addresses of three references
Email applications to:
Dana Christensen
dchristensen@fohvos.org