Field Technician - Spadefoot Toad Project

Location: Barnstable, MA
Sanctuary: Long Pasture

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

We are seeking a qualified individual with biological field experience and commitment to rare amphibian conservation biology to carry out seasonal responsibilities for the Spadefoot Toad Conservation and Wetland Restoration Project at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary. Under the direction of the Sanctuary Director and project’s Lead Technician, the Field Technician will conduct a variety of field surveys, monitoring efforts, and management activities focused on the Massachusetts state-listed Spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), from native and translocated populations on Cape Cod.

Monitoring and management activities include ongoing population, reproduction, habitat use; dispersal monitoring; wetland and upland habitat management; and assisting with data. The Field Technician will conduct field work and collect data using established protocols and procedures and follow all regulations and permits associated with the project.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Catching, measuring, and marking amphibians via Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging and other methods
  • Collecting water quality and environmental data
  • Conduct field surveys using techniques such as visual encounter surveys, dip netting, upland transect searches, and mark-recapture study
  • Assist with data analysis methods such as population assessment and distribution mapping

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 or higher in biological science, earth science, environmental studies, natural resource management, wildlife biology, or related, and preferred experience conducting rare wildlife field surveys
  • Successful candidates will have field biology experience and enjoy working outdoors, often under inclement weather conditions after dark
  • Knowledge of basic principles of Cape Cod ecology and natural history
  • The position requires the use of GPS units, chemical water quality tests, and Microsoft Office computer software for data entry
  • Candidates must possess a strong attention to detail and be able to work independently at times with minimal supervision
  • The position requires a valid state driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle
  • The Field Technician is responsible for personal transportation to and from the field sites
  • Some experience in amphibian conservation biology is preferred

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $16.60-18.60/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

This is a part time hourly position running from April through September with hours averaging 8 per week (greater during spring and fall and less in summer). A willingness to work weekends is desirable but not required.

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.

Job# 4020