Coastal Waterbird Program Assistant Field Coo

Job DescriptionJob Description
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

About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking to fill a seasonal Assistant Field Coordinator position to conduct research, monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds and other natural resources, and to train and supervise staff and volunteers in these activities. This will be a largely field-based position with 3-4 days of fieldwork per week with 1-2 days of office support, depending on regional field support needs. This position reports to the Coastal Waterbird Program Field Coordinator and Manager . For more information, visit

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application. In addition, please complete a short cover page questionnaire at: Your application will not be processed without completion and receipt of the items above. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will begin in January and positions will be filled by February 26, 2024.

Responsibilities
Coordinate and support Coastal Waterbird Program field crews and volunteers to meet research, wildlife management and education objectives of the programTrain and supervise field crews and volunteers in collection and management of biological data on nesting, foraging and migrating species of coastal waterbirds; accomplish the wildlife management objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program including protocols for predator and vegetation management; train and supervise staff to accomplish education objectives including to landowners and managers, community groups, and the publicProvide additional field and monitoring support in different regions as needed on a flexible basisPlay a key role in regional contracted projects such as beach renourishment monitoring, beach raking operations, and other state approved coastal zone improvement projectsSupport the implementation of the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan at monitored sites included in the PlanAccomplish the wildlife management and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird ProgramEstablish and cultivate relationships with public and private landowners, and with beach managers on regional beaches; educate beachgoers about coastal wildlife protection on a daily basisAssist in the management of databases including abundance, productivity, and behavioral data; create GIS/Google Earth maps of coastal resourcesCompile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activitiesSupervise and conduct research on special projects as directed
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
Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. or higher in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience, as well as 6-12 months previous supervisory experience6-12 months prior experience with piping plover/tern/avian field monitoring, data collection and management requiredDemonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projectsFamiliarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writingMust be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs across varied and sandy terrainMust be willing to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather)Must have access to a vehicle for daily driving between sitesMust pass a driver record check
Nice to Haves
Small boat-handling experience preferredExperience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position's pay range is $20.00-$21.50/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 March 4, 2024 and ends on September 27, 2024. Variable hours and schedule due to weather and site-specific requirements. Typically 40 hours per week, including work on weekends and holidays (specifically Memorial Day and Fourth of July), 8:00am-4:00pm.

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.

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