Field Technician - Horseshoe Crab 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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
This position involves working with the Science Coordinator from April 15-August 15, 2024 to assist with all aspects of a long-term Horseshoe Crab research project on Mass Audubon’s 1,100-acre coastal wildlife sanctuary in South Wellfleet, MA and other sites around the Outer Cape, plus two sites on Barnstable Harbor. Primary duties are working with and scheduling staff and volunteers to carry out spawning surveys at eight sites and conduct USFWS button tagging project. Other duties include entering, managing, and summarizing data, writing an end-of-season report, coordinating and overseeing up to 50+ spawning survey volunteers, assisting with or conducting educational programs for adults and children, and planning and executing activities to celebrate International Horseshoe Crab Day.

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

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Science Coordinator to schedule and train volunteers to conduct spawning surveys; the Field Technician takes the lead on volunteer communications about scheduling and carrying out surveys
• Lead or assist with spawning surveys at up to three sites in one day
• Conduct button tagging at several beaches, either alone or with volunteers and as part of public programs
• Help organize and maintain all field equipment, including surveys kits and quadrats
• Ensure volunteers return all data sheets; enter, proof, and summarize data
• Maintain photo library of staff and volunteer photos
• Maintain effective communication about all job activities with Science Coordinator

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

• Bachelor's Degree in marine biology or related field
• Field experience and an interest in marine invertebrates or marine biology
• Willingness to spend long hours outdoors in the cold and/or sun and on tidal flats and in salt marshes
• Willingness to conduct Horseshoe Crab surveys at night
• Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle

Nice to Haves

• Local housing

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $17.37-$19.54/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.

Work Schedule
Mid-April through mid-August; flexible schedule based on tides and weather, 40 hours per week over five days.

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.