Rhode Island NWR New England Cottontail Technician

Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex 2026 New England Cottontail Technician (1)

position description:

We are seeking one Technician to work as part of the New England Cottontail recovery project at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, located in southern Rhode Island. This role will be managed by the NorthWoods Stewardship Center and will operate as an independent contractor, working in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This role primarily involves outdoor work, necessitating the ability to perform under challenging field conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, humidity, biting insects, poison ivy, and traversing dense thickets).

Key responsibilities include maintaining an outdoor breeding pen, monitoring and providing husbandry care for pen-born rabbits and adult founders, live-trapping and collecting morphologic data on rabbits. Furthermore, the technician will assist in transporting rabbits to release sites, collaring, collecting biological samples and data, releasing, and monitoring the survival of collared rabbits using radio telemetry. Additional tasks involve conducting fecal pellet surveys at release sites during winter, data entry, and record management. The position also entails mapping and controlling non-native/invasive plant species using both chemical and mechanical treatments for habitat restoration, as well as propagating and planting native species.

Additional opportunities may include supporting saltmarsh sparrow demographic surveys (banding and nest monitoring), spadefoot toad surveys, rare plant monitoring, and assisting with nesting shorebird monitoring and management activities. Participation in environmental outreach initiatives with the Visitor Services program is also anticipated.

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource-related field with experience collecting biological data in a field setting. Experience with New England cottontail trapping and monitoring is preferred. Candidates should be physically fit, capable of hiking up to 4 miles on uneven terrain, and able to lift 50 pounds. A strong interest in conservation, positive attitude, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and in a team are essential. A valid U.S. driver’s license and skill in operating pickup trucks safely are required.

Position Dates:

This position will span approximately 9 months, from June 2026 through February 2027. The work schedule is five days per week, typically Monday through Friday; however, occasional weekend work may be required depending on specific tasks and weather conditions. There may be some flexibility in start and end dates for highly qualified candidates.

Salary:

$840/ week. Shared housing may be available depending on availability. Local candidates within commuting distance of Charlestown, RI strongly encouraged to apply.