Herring Count Volunteer [End of March- early June]

Location: Plymouth, MA

Sanctuary: Tidmarsh

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 www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

River Herring, Alewife and Blueback Herring are anadromous fish or migratory fish that live in the ocean and move into our rivers, lakes and ponds, including Beaver Dam Brook and Fresh Pond, to spawn as adults. The juvenile fish then return to the estuaries and then to the ocean to live as adults. Herring counting helps document the number of herring coming to spawn in the stream to help research on the restoration project.

Training will be provided. Time commitment is once a week for 10 minutes, on a scheduled day and time, for the length of the season. Volunteers will need to create a Mass Audubon volunteer account to sign up for shifts and keep track of their volunteer hours.

Duties & Responsibilities

Count the river herring migrating up Beaver Dam Brook from a bridge in the sanctuary
Count the river herring for designated days and times from end of March to early June
Record count information and enter in database

Qualifications

Passionate about migratory fish and other wildlife or are interested in learning more
Observant and like to view animals
Interested in collecting data and want to make an impact by documenting river herring
Enthusiastic and dependable
Can work individually and collaboratively
No formal training or experience is required to become a Herring Count Volunteer
Training and guidance will be provided.
All volunteers need to pass a background records check (CORI and SORI)

Additional Information

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.