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

Help Mass Audubon track the status and trends in the reproductive biology of breeding birds at our sanctuaries by participating in the nationwide community science research program NestWatch. The NestWatch program was developed and run by the Cornel Lab of Ornithology, and utilized by Mass Audubon statewide to engage volunteers in breeding bird biology through data collection.

The Nest Watch Volunteer will be trained and responsible for collecting reproductive data on breeding birds by monitoring nest boxes at a specified sanctuary. Volunteers will learn to identify several local breeding bird species by sight and by nest structures. Common bird species to be monitored include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting and recording accurate data on a data sheet and upload it to a smartphone app regularly.

This volunteer position is needed through spring and summer, which spans the duration of the breeding bird season. Weekly requirements include visiting nest box sites at least once per week with an estimated commitment of 2 hours per week. Volunteers will be required to track their volunteer hours on the Mass Audubon Volunteer Platform.

This position requires walking on sometimes uneven terrain and through tall grass. Walking distance can be 1-2 miles, but varies by location.

The Volunteer Position will consist of both remote and in-person activities.

Additional Information

Location: Attleboro, Dartmouth, Marshfield, Plymouth, Wareham, MA
Sanctuary: Attleboro Springs, Allens Pond, North River, Daniel Webster, Tidmarsh, Great Neck

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

Please fill out our volunteer interest form at the following link: Volunteer Interest Form (office.com)

For more information please contact: