ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) seeks a part-time Administrative Assistant. This is an approximately 20 hour/week position and pays $15.50/hour. The schedule can be flexible within regular business hours. The Administrative Assistant works closely with the Program Administrator to perform a range of office tasks: correspondence, purchasing, filing, mail, answering phones, and errands, among others. The Administrative Assistant will be expected to participate in RINHS programs and other tasks that include occasional evening and weekend hours.

The successful applicant will demonstrate writing ability and be proficient with MS Word and Excel. Other office productivity software experience is a plus. Because RINHS is a small organization, working on diverse tasks is necessary. The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to work flexibly, creatively, and independently while contributing to a productive team environment. Because the Administrative Assistant is one of RINHS’s points of contact with members, clients, donors, and the public, the successful applicant will present evidence that they can be courteous, thorough, and reliable. Experience with non-profit administration, accounting, or environmental science or management is a plus.

The position is in the RINHS office in Kingston, RI. This position is for approximately 18 months. It is eligible for limited fringe benefits and does not include health insurance. The Administrative Assistant reports to the Program Assistant. RINHS is a private non-profit environmental science membership organization (see www.rinhs.org). RINHS is an equal opportunity employer, women and minorities are encouraged to apply. This position is funded by a grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the U.S. Forest Service.

Review of applications will begin February 19, 2010, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information, including email and phone number, of three persons whom RINHS may contact regarding your experience and qualifications to Kira Stillwell programadmin@rinhs.org.

Forest Health Youth Crew Leader

Job Description

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) seeks to hire a seasonal youth crew leader to provide support to the Forest Health Works Project (FHWP).  This project will survey for and control invasive plants affecting ecological values, including forest health, in RI.  60% of this position will be to lead the development and implementation of a non-residential high school youth corps model. In coordination with RINHS leadership and an Assistant Crew Leader, the Crew Leader will supervise students in invasive control and environmental restoration projects.

In addition, this position will provide support for 1) rapid surveys of large forest areas in Rhode Island for invasive plants, 2) development of natural resource reports and recommendations for inventoried areas based on principles of ecology and natural resource management, and 3) eradication and restoration regimens using contracted labor.  The Crew Leader will participate in other RINHS programs and tasks from time to time.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated youth group leadership experience in an outdoor setting;
• A degree in natural sciences/environmental education;
• Familiarity with the plant species and forest communities of southern New England;
• Relevant field experience, including familiarity with the conditions and requirements for safe, effective work in rugged outdoor conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to work systematically towards goals using independent initiative as well as by working collaboratively with partners and peers;
• Strong organizational skills, strong writing skills, and an ability to work to deadlines;
• Experience supervising field assistants, student interns, contractors or equivalent a plus;
• Familiarity with plant restoration techniques (planting, seed collection, etc.) is a plus;
• A valid driver’s license with a clean-driving record;
• First aid certifications a plus;

This is a fieldwork position. The Crew Leader is required to undertake substantial physical exertion and/or physical strain, sometimes in remote locations, difficult terrain, and inclement weather. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a possibility of injury and/or arthropod-borne disease.

The Crew Leader will be based in the RINHS offices in Kingston, RI, but will travel extensively throughout the state in the course of work.   Pay is $14-18hr depending on experience. This is a full-time temporary position (35 hrs/ week) during summer 2010. It is not eligible for fringe benefits.

This position is funded by a grant under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the U.S. Forest Service. This position reports to the Forest Ecosystem Project Coordinator. RINHS is a private non-profit environmental science membership organization (see www.rinhs.org). RINHS is an equal opportunity employer, women & minorities are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin March 8^th, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information, including email and phone number, of three persons whom RINHS may contact regarding your experience and qualifications to programadmin@rinhs.org

Forest Health Field Technician

Job Description

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) seeks to hire a Field Technician to provide support to the Forest Health Works Project (FHWP).  The project will survey for & control invasive plants affecting ecological values, including forest health, in RI.  With field assistants, & in close coordination with cooperating agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, the Field Technician will 1) carry out rapid surveys of large forest areas in Rhode Island for invasive plants, 2) develop natural resource reports and recommendations for inventoried areas based on principles of ecology and natural resource management, & 3) supervise eradication and restoration regimens conducted by contracted labor.  The Technician will participate in other RINHS programs & tasks from time to time.

Qualifications:

• A degree (Master’s preferred) in natural sciences or a related field and significant prior experience and familiarity with forest ecosystems & botany, including invasive species;
• Familiarity with the plant species and forest communities of southern New England;
• Significant relevant field experience, including familiarity with the conditions and requirements for safe, effective work in rugged outdoor conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to work systematically towards goals using independent initiative as well as by working collaboratively with partners and peers;
• Strong organizational skills, strong writing skills, and an ability to work to deadlines;
• Demonstrated competence with georeferencing equipment, GIS software, and equipment;
• Demonstrated experience with invasive plant treatment techniques (familiarity with herbicides and regulations is a plus but pesticide applicators license is not required);
• Experience supervising field assistants, student interns, contractors or equivalent;
• Familiarity with plant restoration techniques (planting, seed collection, propagation, etc.) is a plus;
• A valid driver’s license & automobile (mileage reimbursed);
• Able to start immediately

This is a fieldwork position. The Field Technician is required to undertake substantial physical exertion and/or physical strain, sometimes in remote locations, difficult terrain, and inclement weather. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a possibility of injury and/or arthropod-borne disease.

The Field Technician will be based in the RINHS office in Kingston, but will travel extensively throughout RI.  Pay is $16-18hr depending on experience. This is a part-time, 12 month position averaging 20 hrs per week, with longer hours in the summer and short hours in the winter.  It is not eligible for fringe benefits.

This position is funded by a grant under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the U.S. Forest Service. The Field Technician reports to the Forest Ecosystem Project Coordinator. RINHS is a private non-profit environmental science membership organization (see www.rinhs.org). RINHS is an equal opportunity employer, women & minorities are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin Feb 22^nd, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information, including email and phone number, of three persons whom RINHS may contact regarding your experience and qualifications to Kira Stillwell programadmin@rinhs.org

Forest Health Field Assistant

Job Description

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) seeks to hire a seasonal Field Assistant to provide support to the Forest Health Works Project (FHWP).  The project will survey for and control invasive plants affecting ecological values, including forest health, in RI.  With other field assistants and in close coordination with cooperating agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, the Field Assistant will 1) carry out rapid surveys of large forest areas in Rhode Island for invasive plants, 2) develop natural resource reports and recommendations for inventoried areas based on principles of ecology and natural resource management, and 3) assist eradication and restoration regimens.  The Field Assistant will participate in other RINHS programs and tasks from time to time.

Qualifications:

• A degree in natural sciences or a related field and prior experience and familiarity with forest ecosystems & botany, including invasive species;
• Familiarity with the plant species and forest communities of southern New England;
• Relevant field experience, including familiarity with the conditions and requirements for safe, effective work in rugged outdoor conditions;
• Strong organizational skills, strong writing skills, and an ability to work to deadlines;
• Experience with georeferencing equipment, GIS software, and equipment;
• A valid driver’s license (automobile not required but a plus; mileage reimbursed);
• Able to start immediately

This is a fieldwork position. The Field Assistant is required to undertake substantial physical exertion and/or physical strain, sometimes in remote locations, difficult terrain, and inclement weather. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a possibility of injury and/or arthropod-borne disease.

The Field Assistant will be based in the RINHS offices in Kingston, RI, but will travel extensively throughout the state in the course of work.   Pay is $10-12/hr depending on experience.  This is a part-time, 6 month position averaging 20 hrs per week, with longer hours in the summer and short hours in the winter.  It is not eligible for fringe benefits.

This position is funded by a grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the U.S. Forest Service. The Field Assistant reports to the Forest Ecosystem Project Coordinator. RINHS is a private non-profit environmental science membership organization (see www.rinhs.org). RINHS is an equal opportunity employer, women & minorities are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin March 22^nd, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information, including email and phone number, of three persons whom RINHS may contact regarding your experience and qualifications to programadmin@rinhs.org

RINHS is posting four part-time or full-time temporary positions. Check back regularly for information.