Field Biologist

Zoo New England is seeking an experienced, full-time Field Biologist for its unique Field Conservation Department (FCD). The successful candidate must have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to wildlife conservation and management.
Zoo New England is dedicated to being internationally recognized for the quality of its conservation management and research activities. The FCD is a dynamic and fast-growing department dedicated to restoring populations of rare species and engaging local human residents in our conservation management work. A significant portion of our work is currently focused on improving the status of selected rare turtle, amphibian, fish, plant, and invertebrate populations in southern New England. In many of these programs, we work with local school children and adults who directly help us foster the recovery of rare animal and plant populations in their communities.
Zoo New England is a private, non-profit organization that operates the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA, and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. A satellite office for field conservation staff is also maintained in Acton, MA.
Preference will be given for applications received by January 10, 2024
Target start date of April 1, 2024
Job Description
The primary focus of the Field Biologist's work will concern all aspects of ZNE's box turtle conservation project in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Specific duties will include documenting turtle movement patterns and habitat use though radiotelemetry, conducting standardized visual surveys and nest surveys, and assisting Field Conservation Department staff with other ongoing research, including on other species of turtles, amphibians, fish, plants, and other regional taxa. The Field Biologist will keep careful notes, regularly input field data into online databases, and assist with data analysis and map generation at the end of the season.
Additionally, the Field Biologist will take a leading role in conducting and overseeing several habitat enhancement projects to benefit rare animal and plant species in New England. Activities in this role will include: installing native plant species, weeding and brush cutting, and monitoring the survival of installed plants and possibly their use by target insect species.
The Field Biologist should have a strong interest in field ecology and conservation and be willing to do field work independently in any weather condition. Our fieldwork can be arduous, requiring hiking through dense brush, mud, swamps, and water. Enthusiasm and the ability to work independently are key to all our positions. However, qualified applicants will know their limitations and will readily ask for assistance and clarification as needed.
Job Responsibilities

1. Conducts standardized biological surveys of plants and animals for ZNE's field conservation management and research projects. These surveys will require long hours of working in varied weather, often in dense brush or wetland areas, and often working alone.
2. Collects accurate and complete data, inputs data on a weekly basis to a shared database and assists other Field Conservation Department staff with initial reporting and data analysis.
3. Meets at least weekly with ZNE conservation staff and communicates regularly with supervisor.
4. Oversees the work of seasonal field staff and volunteers who may assist with the box turtle and habitat enhancement projects.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology or related field.
• Demonstrable experience working on field projects collecting scientific data and safely operating in remote and/or rural areas.
• Ability to enter and manage field data and the spreadsheets and other software in which those data are stored and analyzed from personal computer at home.
• Able to work flexible hours during the June nesting season, including nights and/or
• Must possess a valid driver's' license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts and transport field materials and equipment in personal vehicle.
• Must have no criminal history or convictions in relation to animal-related issues, child welfare.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Ability to identify common native plants of New England
• Prior experience with radiotelemetry
• Prior experience working with herpetofauna
• Some gardening or horticulture experience

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice
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