Located in Charleston County, the nest protection program at Cape Romain NWR (National Wildlife Refuge) has been in existence for over 40 years, one of the longest running programs of its kind in the state of South Carolina. Additionally, the refuge receives over 40% of all nests in the state, which are laid on remote barrier islands less than 8 miles in length. As a result, these beaches are considered to have the highest nesting density rate north of Cape Canaveral, FL. Cape Romain NWR receives up to ~14,000 turtle crawls in a single season, and is considered one of the most significant nesting beaches for nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta).This position will work closely with wildlife experts, biologists, and volunteers from US Fish & Wildlife, while gaining valuable hands-on experience with sea turtle nest protection and shorebird stewardship. The candidate will work on the remote refuge islands close to 6 miles offshore, classified as a Class 1 Wilderness Area.
Job Description
This is a full-time seasonal position from May to September with on-site housing included. We are seeking an individual to return each year to fulfill the Technician role during nesting season. The focus of this position is concentrated on the protection of sea turtle nests while also ensuring the protection and minimal disturbance of vulnerable seabirds and shorebirds that occupy the refuge. The candidate will be acting as a guardian for both types of fauna and will be expected to perform in each type’s best interest during the nesting and hatching seasons.
The following duties of this position involve, but are not limited to:
Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring:
- Assist refuge staff while conducting daily sunrise beach surveys (~6AM)
- Ability to lead and assign tasks to turtle team volunteers and interns
- Operate ATV (and trailer) over ~8 miles of beach
- Determine if turtle crawls are nests or non-nesting emergences (false crawls)
- Locate egg chambers through probing, relocate nests when needed, and install predator nest protection (caging) over egg chambers
- Use a GPS, collect unique genetic eggshell samples, document nest emergences as they occur, conduct inventories for all remaining nests, release of live hatchlings
- Transcribe all field data collected each day in statewide database (seaturtle.org)
- Assist in any live/dead sea turtle strandings should they occur
Shorebird/Seabird Stewarding:
- Ensure the protection of vulnerable avian species such as Least Terns, Royal Terns, Black Skimmers, and their colonies, from disturbance.
- “Bird Areas” (marked pre-season with signage), are treated as restricted areas from the public and other unauthorized personnel. The candidate should ensure to the best of his/her abilities that this rule is followed, when and if possible.
- Report trespassing of bird areas or incidents to the Refuge Manager immediately.
Equipment Operations and Maintenance:
- Fulfill and earn Motorboat Operations Course Certification (MOCC)
- Trailer, operate, anchor, and dock small center console boat vessels (16-18ft) through marine estuary environments in adverse weather and tide conditions
- Responsible for the general upkeep of boats, ATVs, and other turtle surveying equipment
- Cut any additional nest caging if needed
REQUIREMENTS
- At least 1 season of sea turtle nest monitoring experience
- ATV operation experience
- Boating and trailering experience preferred
- Willingness to earn Motorboat Operations Course Certification (MOCC) through the Dept. of the Interior (DOI) before the start date
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Leadership experience, organizational skills, ability to communicate effectively, strong attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to learn complex tasks quickly and manage high stress in a demanding work environment
- In good physical condition, able to work for long periods in extreme heat and humidity, rain and thunderstorms, and buggy conditions
- Familiar with and enjoys working outdoors in coastal/marine environments
- Knowledge of local flora and fauna species encouraged
- Ability to engage professionally with the public and offer education if needed
- Able to work a flexible schedule, possible weekends and holidays
Salary Details: $14/hr
Deadline: January 31, 2024
