Field Technician - Coastal Birds

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. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated seasonal Field Technician to conduct research, monitoring, management and protection of coastal wading birds and other natural resources. Primary duties will include regularly monitoring of nesting colony of wading birds on Kettle Island (Manchester-by-the-Sea); census of wading birds on several islands in the North Shore region; nest monitoring and vegetation surveys; flight pattern surveys; and coordinating volunteers. Secondary duties are delivering volunteer training workshops on how to collect data on nesting wading birds and providing informal outreach to the community about the importance of the birds and their habitat.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Collect biological data on nesting, foraging, and migrating species of coastal waterbirds, including abundance and distribution of target species
• Conduct bird surveys for coastal waterbirds (both from boats and land)
• Conduct vegetation surveys at bird nest sites
• Train staff, partners and volunteers in the collection and management of biological data on nesting, foraging, and migrating species of coastal waterbirds
• Assist in the management of databases, including abundance, productivity, and behavioral data
• Assist in the compilation of data and write summary reports on results and management activities
• Interact with neighbors to provide information regarding regulations and island ecology
• Participate in outreach and education activities among island visitors and other audiences
• Work with Regional Director to establish and cultivate relationships with public and private landowners about coastal wildlife protection
• Supervise and research special projects as directed
• Contribute to office support and equipment care

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:

• Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. or higher in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field, as well as previous field experience
• Prior experience in avian field research and management strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research or management projects and have strong attention to detail
• Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, and coastal wildlife management issues
• Small boat-handling experience
• Applicants must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must have access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites
• Kayaking experience

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $17.37-$19.54/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Field travel reimbursement will be provided. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.

Work Schedule
This is a seasonal position running from April to mid-October. The average hours will be 30 hours per week. During the monitoring “high season” of June-August, hours will increase to up to 40 hours/week, and in the lower season, hours will decrease to 20 hours/week. Occasional weekend or evening hours are required.

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 embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.