Field Technician - Avian

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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
The Field Technician will perform daily field work at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth, MA and occasionally visit sanctuaries in Barnstable & Wellfleet. The Field Technician will monitor the response of Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrow populations to saltmarsh restoration management with point counts, mapping and nest surveys and mark/recapture with mist netting. They will work both independently and within an experienced team to implement bird surveys and mist netting, maintain the project database and GIS and support project knowledge sharing and outreach activities. In addition, they will maintain and manage project equipment and assist with other wildlife monitoring and management projects at Allens Pond. They will also represent Mass Audubon and engage the public in positive interactions that promote understanding of coastal resilience and threatened wildlife and habitats.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and within an experienced team
• Work outside in often challenging conditions to collect project monitoring data
• Collect and store accurate GIS data with a tablet and handheld GPS
• Collect, manage, and store accurate bird survey and vegetation monitoring data
• Participate in internal project team and external partner meetings
• Assist with outreach, and volunteer programs and events
• Assist with project reporting and internal and external communication
• Contribute to fieldwork on various other restoration and monitoring projects as needed

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

• B.S., B.A., or higher in wildlife biology/management, GIS, botany, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field; equivalent experience considered
• Three to six months prior experience with mist netting and bird monitoring techniques, data collection, project management, and report completion
• Demonstrated experience with bird identification and survey method
• Demonstrated experience with GPS and data entry and management
• Demonstrated leadership experience using good judgement in field-based projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in physically demanding settings and field conditions; walk long distances across varied terrain while carrying personal and project equipment and occasionally lift and move up to 50lbs
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, reliability, flexibility, and positive attitude
• Ability to interact with project team, partners and the public professionally and work cooperatively and independently
• Availability to work irregular hours including after dawn, before dusk, and weekends
• Access to a vehicle for daily driving to sites
• Data entry and management skills
• Knowledge of Southern New England saltmarsh ecology and experience working and collecting field data on saltmarshes
• Knowledge of coastal resilience and wildlife issues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $19.20-$21.60/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.

Work Schedule
This position starts on May 6, 2024 and ends on September 27, 2024. Full time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday.

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 embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.