[CT Birds] Internships at the McKinney NWR

[COMINS, Patrick]

Please see forwarded message below from the McKinney NWR regarding internship opportunities for this summer.  Working for the Refuge can be a great experience and a great way to get a foot in the door in the environmental community.  Especially the opportunity to work on Falkner Island.  It was a summer internship that got me rolling in my carreer (thanks to Patty Pendergast, Miley Bull, and Bill Kolodnicki!)

Patrick Comins, Meriden

PS  Regarding an EIS for Griswold Airport. No formal EIS was needed because there weren't any public funds used...the land swap not considered.  There were studies, but most of the arguments against the developemnt, while great justification for acquiring it for conservation, didn't hold much weight under the law.  Habitat and endangered species for that matter don't have much weight in the planning and zoning process.


Forwarded internship announcement:

Hello!
The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is seeking interns for the endangered roseate tern and common tern program at the Falkner Island Unit and a Piping Plover Technician Intern.  Please see the following attachments and post and/or pass to anyone that you think may be interested!
Piping Plover Intern:   The Refuge is recruiting one Piping Plover Technician Intern  to help the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Connecticut manage and protect federally threatened piping plovers and state listed least terns breeding from Westbrook to Stratford.   Duties include nest counts, productivity surveys, erecting predator proof         exclosures, public outreach, and volunteer coordination.  This is an opportunity for someone to get experience with biological monitoring as well as public outreach on a National Wildlife Refuge and with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.  Opportunities may exist to assist with other Refuge projects.
Tern Management Interns:  Two interns needed at the Falkner Island Unit to census breeding terns, monitor productivity, conducting feeding observations, data entry.  The position involves night and morning work, extensive beach walking, living in a field camp setting which includes electricity, cooking facilities and running water.   Housing available while working on the Island and possibly on days off.
Postion time frame: May through August.  Interns may be eligible for temporary housing and a stipend of up to $220 per week.  To be considered for these positions, those interested need to send a cover letter of interest, a curriculum vitae or resume with 3 references to Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, CT 06498 or email Richard_Potvin at fws.gov  by April 1, 2008.  Opportunity may exist for plover intern to begin internship earlier and end later, depending on applicant availablity and Refuge funding.
Currently accepting applications.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  Hiring may occur prior to the closing date but should be received no later than April 1.
Additionally, the Refuge is looking to recruit two workkamper/volunteers (possible a couple, two friends, etc. for one trailer/RV hookup) to do general refuge grounds maintenance work and office work for approximately 30 hours a week each from May through September in exchange for a full RV/trailer hook-up (electric, water, sewage), plus a possible  stipend.  The Refuge can accommodate a maximum trailer size of approximately 55 feet.  Perhaps you may know of workkampers/volunteers that may be interested in Stewart B. McKinney NWR in CT in the summer.   If you know of anyone that is interested please pass along.  They can please contact me (Ava_Kahn'at'fws.gov or 860-399-2513) or forward their information to me.  Thank you so much!

Thank you!



Sincerely,
Ava Kahn
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
733 Old Clinton Road
Westbrook, CT  06498
860-399-2513
860-3992515 fax