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Jobs and Volunteering at Allens Pond
Working at Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon offers a work environment that is challenging, yet flexible. Our compensation and benefits program is competitive, including a 403(b) plan and generous vacation and leave policy. Every inquiry will be treated confidentially. Non-smokers are strongly preferred. Mass Audubon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Internships Education/Outreach Intern (20-35 hrs/week)
Location: Dartmouth, MA The Education/Outreach Intern will work closely with Sanctuary staff and volunteers (May-August) on several Environmental Education programs at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth, MA. The Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. The internship will consist largely of program planning and teaching with opportunities for participation in the Sanctuary’s ecological projects and field work. Primary responsibilities include: planning and facilitating hands-on, innovative environmental programming for children and teens on a variety of natural history topics, developing interactive visitor displays, serving as a teen mentor and presenting displays at several public events throughout the summer (including weekends). The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May/June and running steadily into August. Students seeking experience working for a nonprofit conservation organization are encouraged to apply. Qualifications: Individuals with a background in environmental studies, education or related field, preferred. Applicants must be outgoing and have strong communication skills. Experience in teaching and/or working with children and teens is helpful. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, self-motivation, sense of humor, and willingness to learn. Interns should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. Certification in CPR/First Aid desired. Interns will be responsible for the care and use of various tools, equipment, and additional duties as requested Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. No housing provided but some assistance given to locate affordable options. To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of two references to:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
allenspond@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790
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Back to top Sanctuary Property Intern
Location: Dartmouth, MA Intern needed to work closely with the Property Manager, other staff, and volunteers at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary from June through August 2010. This is a unique opportunity to serve as an ambassador for a large property that provides important habitat for wildlife, while also gaining experience in trail and property maintenance, wildlife management and public outreach. Intern will keep records on wildlife and human activities and patrol the beach during the busy summer season, including some weekends. Intern will engage the public through positive interactions that promote understanding wildlife and habitat. Intern will work directly with the Property Manager on non-native invasive plant removal, the butterfly garden, and maintaining existing trails and signage. He/she will maintain and use a variety of tools, equipment, and perform maintenance duties including litter removal, sign posting, composting, weed whacking and mowing trails and office grounds. Qualifications: Individuals with strong interpersonal skills, that can work independently and possess a proven interest in natural history preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and communicate well with the public. Requirements include: strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; and ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, walk long distances over rough terrain, and spend long days in the field while maintaining a positive attitude towards visitors and co-workers. Start date and work hours are very flexible; approximately 3-5 days/week. Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. Opportunities may be available to receive school credit. High school and college students seeking wildlife and land management experience are encouraged to apply. No housing provided but assistance given to locate affordable options. To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter and resume (e-mail preferred) to:
Lauren Miller-Donnelly
laurenmiller@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790
Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Water Quality Intern (2-4 hrs/week)
Location: Dartmouth, MA Interns are needed to carry out water sampling as part of the ongoing Water Quality Monitoring Program for Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. Duties include weekly pond oxygen sampling, ecological monitoring, and bi-monthly nutrient sampling. The sampling will be done between 6and 9am once a week from June to September. The nutrient sampling will be done four mornings in the summer (two in July and two in August). The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May and running steadily into September. Qualifications: Individuals with background or interest in environmental studies, chemistry, biology, or related field, preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and able to walk long distances over rough terrain. Some kayaking and field work experience, preferred. Intern should be comfortable working independently and a strong attention to detail is required. He/she will be responsible for the care and use of various tools, equipment, and additional duties as requested. Training will be provided. Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of two references (e-mail preferred) to:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
allenspond@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790
Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Wildlife Intern (20-30 hrs/week)
Location: Dartmouth, MA The Wildlife Intern will work closely with Sanctuary staff and volunteers (May-August) on several ecological projects at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth, MA. The Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. The internship will consist largely of field work and data management with opportunities for participation in outreach projects. Responsibilities include surveying beaches for breeding bird activity, erecting and maintaining protective fencing, Diamondback Terrapin searching, Osprey Platform and Bluebird Nestbox monitoring, entering field data, talking with Sanctuary visitors about endangered species conservation, and preparing and displaying educational materials at a public event. The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May and running steadily into August. Students seeking a field experience or multi-year research project are encouraged to apply. Qualifications: Individuals with background in environmental studies, biology, or related field, preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and communicate well with the public. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; and ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, walk long distances over rough terrain, and spend long days in the field regardless of weather conditions. Intern should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. He/she will be responsible for the care and use of various tools, equipment, and additional duties as requested. Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. No housing provided but assistance given to locate affordable options. To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of two references to:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
allenspond@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790
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Seasonal 2 Shorebird Monitors (30-40 hrs/week)
Location: Dartmouth and Westport, MA Two Shorebird Monitors will work closely with the Director, other staff, and volunteers mid April into August to protect nesting piping plovers, least terns, and other beach nesting birds in Dartmouth and Westport. The two positions combined will provide 70 hours per week of field work, data management, and report completion. The Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. This coastal waterbird monitoring project is one of several ecological management initiatives taking place at the site where field staff from all projects interact as a team. Responsibilities include surveying beaches for breeding bird activity, erecting and maintaining protective fencing (including solar-powered electric fence), collecting data on field forms, submitting data and other reports to partnering agencies, talking with beachgoers about endangered species conservation, preparing and displaying educational material at a public event, and working with volunteers. Positions begin mid-April and run steadily into the summer. Graduate students seeking a field experience or multi-year research project are encouraged to apply. Qualifications: Individuals with demonstrated initiative and prior experience as a naturalist, especially identifying, monitoring, or protecting birds, preferred. Applicants must be able to identify common coastal waterbirds, be in good physical condition, communicate well with the public, and have their own vehicle and binoculars. Requirements include a valid driver’s license; strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; and ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, walk long distances over rough terrain, and spend long days in the field regardless of weather conditions. Monitors will be responsible for the care and use of various tools, equipment, and vehicles and additional duties as requested. Benefits: Salary: avg. $10-$12/hr depending on experience. No housing provided but assistance given to locate affordable options. To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of 3 references to:
Gina Purtell, Sanctuary Director
allenspond@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790
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Volunteering with Mass Audubon
Allens Pond offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities and internships for people of all interests and experience levels. Volunteers are valued members of the Mass Audubon team and provide an important link to our local communities. Whether you have a lifetime interest in nature or are just getting started, Allens Pond has a place for you. Volunteer Bluebird Nestbox Monitor
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Do you enjoy birds and being outside? Have you wanted to get involved in conservation but don’t know where to start? Allens Pond Nestbox Project needs volunteers who can learn as they go about the four bird species likely to use our boxes. Along the way, volunteers will collect visible data for our long- term habitat project. We provide training and materials, you just need to commit to a set of 1-10 boxes that must be visited on a regular basis throughout the bird-breeding season (mid March to late August). We can team you up with others to allow for summer schedules. To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Butterfly Garden Volunteer Coordinator
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Do you like gardening and have time to volunteer? Do you also have a little extra time to take on some responsibility? A volunteer coordinator is needed to help maintain the Allens Pond Butterfly Garden. The Volunteer Coordinator would help to recruit volunteers, manage tasks in garden maintenance, and document the hours of each volunteer. The coordinator may also use creative ways to advertise the Butterfly Garden, recruit and manage volunteers, or receive donations of various plant and flower species. To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Butterfly Garden Volunteers
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Allens Pond is home to a beautiful Butterfly Garden, which has invited the presence of almost 40 species of butterflies. While the Butterfly Garden is well established and home to many species, it could still use some work! Allens Pond is looking for Butterfly Garden volunteers to help expand the garden to incorporate a new visitor entrance from the parking lot. Volunteer help is also needed to maintain the garden, plant new species, and to observe and record butterfly sightings. To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Kiosk Maintenance Volunteer
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Allens Pond is looking for a volunteer to complete the monthly task of updating the sanctuary kiosks. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary features two of these important educational displays; one at the field station on Horseneck Road, and the other located at Allens Neck on Allens Neck Road. These kiosks feature information regarding the sanctuary’s ongoing ecological projects, recent photographs, and other exciting stories or sightings of interesting species. The Kiosk Maintenance Volunteer would be willing to talk with staff and volunteers about any events that may be of interest to the general public and summarize these events in a concise and entertaining manner. The Kiosk Maintenance Volunteer should also report any updates on the sanctuary’s ongoing ecological projects, such as the Coastal Waterbird Program, Butterfly Garden, or Shrubland Restoration Project. While not imperative, it would also be desirable if the Kiosk Maintenance Volunteer were able to include updated photographs within the text of the kiosk. It should also be noted that this position involved much flexibility and creativity; the volunteer may also include any relevant news stories, facts, etc. that he/she finds informative and entertaining. This volunteer position may last for one or many months, depending on the availability of the volunteer. Any help would be greatly appreciated! To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Publicity Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA The Publicity volunteer will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to promote Sanctuary events throughout the year, including the Allens Pond Duck Derby fundraiser which occurs in mid-August. We are looking for creative individuals with an interest in communicating about the Sanctuary and reaching a broad audience through varied media such as newspaper, TV, radio and internet. The Publicity volunteer may also choose to help create displays at the local farmers’ markets during the summer. Qualifications: Individuals should have good writing and communication skills. Experience writing press releases is helpful but not necessary. To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Shrubland Restoration Volunteer
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Shrubland Restoration Volunteers are needed at Allens Pond to help restore native plant species on sanctuary grounds. The main goal of this ongoing project is to eradicate invasive plant species, namely Multiflora Rose and Asiatic Bittersweet. The lands that have been invaded by these species are important winter habitat for bird species such as the Brown Thrasher and the Eastern Towhee. Northern Harriers also use this habitat. Upon the removal of invasive species, Allens Pond also needs assistance with planting native species. The presence of native flora will facilitate the use of this habitat by native bird and other animal species as well. Work may be, at times, physically demanding, but rewarding and instrumental in preserving the ecological integrity of areas in and around the sanctuary. To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top Volunteer Photographer/Artist
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA Do you enjoy photography, drawing or painting? Come to Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the beautiful landscape, shorebirds, and other wildlife! We would love to have any photographs or other pieces of art donated to hang in the sanctuary, use in an auction at our annual fundraiser, or to put on note cards, t-shirts, or even the website! (Of course, you will get credit for your work!) If interested, please feel free to visit the sanctuary and one of our staff or volunteers would love to show you around! To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Becky Cushing, Volunteer Coordinator
bcushing@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437 Printer-friendly version e-mail Back to top
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