Sea Turtle Technician

Cape Island, SC is an undeveloped remote barrier island in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which averages well over 1,000 loggerhead sea turtle nests each season. Sea turtle activity accounts for almost 1/3 of all nests in South Carolina. The lack of access to the remote island makes it challenging for federal biologists and volunteers to do beach patrols, nest relocation, nursery maintenance, predator removal, nest inventories, and nesting turtle research. Early morning small boat access and kayaking during extreme tides are required during the summer nesting season.

Dewees Island is a privately developed ferry access barrier island south of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and north of Charleston, SC. The Dewees community has a strong environmental focus, with approximately 60 homes, native landscaping, sand roads, and golf cart transportation. There are no commercial interests such as stores or restaurants on this isolated barrier island. Dewees averages 10 – 15 sea turtle nests per season, but allows for easier community access and educational opportunities through beach patrols, nest relocation, nest inventories, stranding coverage and educational nature center exhibits and presentations. The Dewees Environmental Program staff oversees and organizes these nesting and hatchling efforts with community volunteers.

A sea turtle technician position funded by The Deedee Paschal Barrier Island Trust helps meet the needs of both islands. Three days per week of man power for Cape Island with dormitory housing on the mainland (Awendaw, SC). Boat access to Cape Island with Refuge Biologist and seasonal staff is provided. Two days per week on Dewees Island is required to cover morning nest patrols and appropriate relocations and inventories. The remainder of the day on Dewees will require working in the Nature Center and Wet Lab to cover community educational opportunities, fieldtrips and animal husbandry. Ferry access, dormitory housing, and golf cart transportation will be provided for the remainder of the week by Dewees Island.

The intern shall report directly to both the US Fish and Wildlife Chief Biologist on Cape Island and the Environmental Program staff on Dewees Island.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum three years undergraduate work in marine biology, ecology or related science.

2. Outgoing and independent personality; strong communication and leadership skills required.

3. Prior sea turtle nesting management experience preferred (additional training provided).

4. Ability to work a non-standard work day, including weekends, holidays and night shifts.

5. Ability to endure extreme summer and outdoor conditions (heat, bugs, salt, sand, etc.)

6. Ability to carry heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.)

7. Ability to operate an ATV vehicle (training provided).

8. Ability to work and live independently in an extremely remote island lifestyle.

9. Boating experience preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct early morning or late evening beach patrols on assigned day in order to identify sea turtle nests and/or stranded sea turtles.

2. Assist as needed with Dewees Island’s various educational and research projects.

3. Conduct educational programs for nature-related groups, and assist in facilitation of research projects by visiting scientists as directed by the Refuge Biologist or Dewees Environmental Program staff.

4. Promote and practice stewardship of the all barrier island facilities, properties, and research equipment.

5. Understand and agree to dormitory and housing regulations. Both dormitories are a shared living space and personal effects are NOT provided (linens, toiletries, etc.).

6. Ability to provide your own transportation between Awendaw, SC and the Dewees Island Ferry Landing on Isle of Palms (approximately 20 miles).

A 3 month stipend of $3,000 plus housing will be provided for 40 hours/week of work starting mid-May through mid-August (turtle nesting season). An additional 3 month stipend from mid-August through mid- November (hatching season and research) of $1,500 plus housing as needed is available with a required college credit independent study. The Trust requires a strong research or education project that will be in association with college course credit. At a minimum, these results will be shared at a regional professional meeting and on the Trust’s website.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To inquire about the sea turtle intern position or to submit your resume, please contact: