Coastal Waterbird Program Islands Field Assistant

Location: Edgartown, MA
Sanctuary: Felix Neck , Lost Farm

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 140,000 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

Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program (CWP) is one of the most effective entities working to protect coastal birds and barrier beaches in North America. Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Field Assistant positions to conduct research, monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds and other natural resources.

Positions may be based out of either Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown MA or Lost Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Nantucket, MA. Full-time and part-time positions are available from late March to early September.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Collect biological data on nesting, foraging and migrating species of coastal waterbirds including abundance and distribution of target species;
  • Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program;
  • Assist with sanctuary-based Coastal Waterbird Program staff throughout the region;
  • Assist in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data; create GIS/Google Earth maps of coastal resources;
  • Assist in compilation of data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities;
  • Conduct research on special projects as directed;
  • Other tasks as directed.

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 Have’s:

  • Applicants should have relevant equivalent experience or a B.S. or B.A. or higher in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field;
  • Applicants should have demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research or management projects and have a strong attention to detail;
  • Applicants must have strong interpersonal skills;
  • Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs across varied and sandy terrain;
  • Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather);
  • Must be willing to occasionally travel (1-2x/season by ferry or small plane) between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to assist with CWP activities on both islands (Field Travel reimbursements will be provided).

Nice to Have’s:

  • Access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites preferred;
  • Prior experience in avian or wildlife field research and management strongly preferred;
  • Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred;
  • Kayaking experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Rate of payment is $15.00 - $17.00. Field travel reimbursement will be provided.

This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:
The schedule from April-September will typically include weekend days and two weekdays off. Due to the nature of the work, scheduled days off may not be contiguous.
From March-September, the hours are typically 8 hrs/day with some early mornings and later shifts depending on field season needs. Travel days between islands will likely be longer than 8 hrs/day, and require shorter shifts elsewhere in weekly schedule to maintain 40 hr/week threshold.
Holidays, including Memorial Day and Fourth of July are required for all CWP staff.

Other Requirements:
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.

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 send a cover letter (specify position(s) for which you are applying and dates of availability), resume, and list of three references via email to: [email protected] and complete a short cover page questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SN5ZBR5. Your application will not be processed without completion/receipt of the items above. Please label your resume and cover letter with your first and last name. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews begin in January.

Sam Kefferstan
[email protected]
Job# 3597