Environmental Field Assistant

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries.

About This Position

Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is hiring two Field Assistants who will contribute to wildlife conservation projects in Dartmouth, MA and nearby locations for the summer of 2023. The Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a coastal salt pond, grasslands, shrub lands, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts.

This position will offer hands-on experience and career development opportunities. The Field Assistants will gain experience and skills in endangered species management, nesting bird ecology, field research, data management, and environmental education. They will assist Mass Audubon staff and volunteers in the monitoring and management of locally breeding bird and turtle species.

The Field Assistant Program seeks to broaden participation in the environmental conservation field and attract members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in this career path. The program is particularly interested in increasing the number of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons facing barriers to pursuing an environmental career. We strongly encourage students who are members of these groups to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities

• identify birds by sight and sound,
• install and monitor cavity nesting bird’s nest boxes,
• conduct nesting bird surveys for both beach nesting and grassland nesting birds
• collect water samples and conduct water quality testing,
• monitor Diamondback Terrapin nesting sites,
• as encountered, collect data on Eastern Box Turtles,
• collect and digitally enter field data,
• participate in volunteer work days on efforts such as removing invasive plants and maintaining trails,
• assist with the development and presentation of educational programs and events that promote conservation and natural resource appreciation,
• assist with volunteer training for community science projects
• contribute to office support, equipment care, and custodial tasks as a member of the team

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with demonstrated:

• ability to work in physically demanding settings and weather conditions while walking considerable distances across varied and sandy terrain,
• self-motivation and ability to work both cooperatively and independently,
• ability to interact with project partners and the public in a professional manner,
• reliability, flexibility, curiosity, positive attitude and enthusiasm,
• ability to prepare and carry personal equipment for long days in the field as well as occasionally lift and move up to 40lbs of project equipment.

Nice to Haves:

Qualified candidates have:

• strong interests in wildlife conservation, nature education, outdoor recreation, landscape management, and/ or related subjects;
• good communication (oral, written) and interpersonal skills;
• availability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather);
• access to a vehicle for daily transportation between field sites
• access to means of communication by phone, text, virtual meeting, and/or email.

Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a career/degree in natural resource management, environmental science, biology, botany, wildlife ecology, or related field, however, all are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $15.00 per hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

Non-standard workweek that may include holidays, weekends, and early morning hours. Position commitment is 40 hours per week for approximately 11 weeks beginning no later than May 22nd.

Duration of this assignment is from mid-May through mid-August.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews will begin on a rolling basis. When applying, please send application materials in a single PDF document labeled with your first and last name and submit a cover letter, resume, and three references.

Please apply on ADP Workforce Now: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=452049&lang=en_US&source=EN.