Field Technician - Diamondback Terrapin Project

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 position involves working with the project coordinator to assist with all aspects of a long-term diamondback terrapin research project on Mass Audubon’s 1,100-acre coastal wildlife sanctuary in South Wellfleet, MA and other sites on the Outer Cape. Diamondback terrapins are state threatened in MA.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist Turtle Research Coordinator with volunteer scheduling, training, and communications
• Lead or observe nest searching and hatchling shifts both at the sanctuary and at select off-sanctuary sites in Wellfleet and Orleans, MA
• Manage hatchling inventory in wet lab
• Collect biological and spatial data on diamondback terrapins and box turtles including morphometrics and locations
• Insert PIT tags in select terrapins and ensure volunteers and others are following tagging protocols
• Help create maps of turtle nesting areas and other spatial data
• Conduct research on special projects as directed
• Help compile, manage and interpret data for additional wildlife and habitat research objectives
• Help organize and maintain all field equipment and lab/turtle processing spaces
• Enter and summarize data and maintain Microsoft Access and other databases, including spatial data and photo libraries
• Maintain effective communication about all job activities with Science Coordinator, Turtle Research Coordinator, and other external team members and support staff
• Oversee 80+ terrapin volunteers
• Work with education staff to assist with or conduct education programs for adults and children

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:

• Bachelor's Degree in wildlife biology or management, ecology, zoology, or related field
• Field experience and an interest in herpetology and/or marine biology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow protocols and accurately record and enter data
• Willingness to work flexible, long hours outdoors (occasional evening hours) in all weather conditions, to include wading in water
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle
• Reliable phone for communication
• It is helpful for the candidate to have local housing

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $16.60-$18.50/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position is eligible for health benefits.

Shared housing may be available at $30.00-35.00 per week.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

June 1-October 15, 2023
Flexible based on tides and weather, typically 40 hours per week over five days, often including evening shifts.

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 apply on ADP Workforce Now at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=451940&lang=en_US&source=EN.