Coastal Projects Field Technician

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

The Coastal Projects Field Technician performs field work at sites including Allens Pond, the Westport River and other southeastern, MA locations. The Field Technician leads all seasonal aspects of the South Coast Osprey Project which includes: monitoring breeding osprey and nest sites; managing watercraft, equipment and volunteers; maintaining databases; handling and banding chicks; communicating with sponsors and partners; and taking part in outreach activities. In addition, the Field Technician assists with protecting and monitoring beach-nesting birds on the South Coast and South Shore, and assists with stewardship tasks at Mass Audubon Sanctuaries in Dartmouth and Wareham. The Field Technician represents Mass Audubon and engages the public in positive interactions that promote understanding of wildlife and habitat; uphold policies regarding natural resource use and sanctuary visitation; and communicate our action agenda priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collect and digitally store accurate data, maps, and photographs of bird activity and nest sites,
• Operate outboard engine and navigate by boat to osprey nest sites,
• Assist with fence installation, camera deployment, and bird monitoring at nesting beaches,
• Maintain Mass Audubon property and assist habitat management using hand and power tools,
• Handle birds in accordance with protocols and permits,
• Plan and execute a scheduled species recovery event in partnership with Illinois,
• Schedule, train, coordinate, equip, and supervise volunteers and early-career teammates,
• Interact with the public to provide information regarding beach regulations and ecology,
• Prepare reports, document incidents, identify and communicate needs and opportunities.

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:

• Associate degree in science or B.S., B.A., or higher in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field; equivalent experience considered,
• Three to six months prior experience in osprey/raptor/avian/wildlife field monitoring, data collection, animal handling, project management, and report completion,
• Three to six months previous supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to set expectations, give feedback, and manage schedules for staff or volunteers,
• Demonstrated leadership experience using good judgement in field-based projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail,
• Experience navigating waterways and operating a shallow-water skiff with gasoline-powered motor,
• Experience operating hand and power tools for landscape and building maintenance,
• Ability to work in physically demanding settings and field conditions; walk long distances across varied terrain while carrying personal and project equipment; climb ladders; and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds,
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, reliability, flexibility, and positive attitude,
• Ability to interact with project partners and the public in a professional manner and work both cooperatively and independently,
• Availability to work irregular hours including after dawn, before dusk, and weekends,
• Access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites,
• Access to means of communication and data management by phone, text, virtual meeting and email.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience banding osprey or other raptor/ avian species,
• Experience in biological and behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping,
• Ability to operate a standard/ manual-shift pickup truck.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $16.60-$18.61 per hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. 

This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

Variable hours according to seasonal conditions and project priorities, generally ranging between 30 and 40 hours per week. Field work is tide, weather, and daylight-dependent.

The duration of this assignment is for 25 weeks, to start March 15, 2023 and end September 15. 2023.

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=452046&lang=en_US&source=EN.