American Oystercatcher and Marsh Restoration Technician: Delaware Bay

Description

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is seeking one seasonal field technician to assist with CWF’s ecological projects in the Delaware Bay region of New Jersey (primarily Cape May and Cumberland counties). The majority of fieldwork will support American oystercatcher biological monitoring projects. The position will also include wetland monitoring responsibilities to support marsh restoration projects. 

American oystercatcher monitoring duties:

• Conduct biological monitoring of breeding American oystercatcher pairs on bayshore beaches of the Delaware Bay
• Track nest/chick success by determining pair territory, locating nests, and performing regular nest/brood checks from the egg laying stage to fledge
• Participate in window census survey (early May) of oystercatchers across 35 sites
• Band re-sighting and assistance with oystercatcher banding efforts
• Monitor nest predation through the use of trail cameras
• Additional tasks: Installation of symbolic fencing, vegetation and habitat assessments, some public outreach

Wetland monitoring duties:

Assist in collecting physical and biological wetland data across approximately 7 sites to help inform restoration planning. Monitoring responsibilities will follow established protocols and will include:

• Installation of hydrological loggers
• Avian surveys (SHARP point counts)
• Vegetation surveys
• Nekton surveys
• Mosquito surveys

Details

Position is full-time (35 hours/week) and runs from April through mid/late August. Some weekend work may be required. Housing not provided. Applicants must provide their own transportation; travel will be reimbursed at the current standard rate at the time. Data collection requires regular use of personal smartphone devices and binocular optics in the field. Training will be provided. 

Salary: +/- $15/hour, dependent on experience

Est. Start Date: 04/01/2023

Est. End Date: 08/31/2023

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field preferred
• Experience working in the field with shorebirds and/or wetlands preferred
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Must be willing to work long hours outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, humid, biting insects, mud)
• Ability to walk extensively on soft substrates (sand beaches and marsh mud)
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment of 50 pounds or more
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Please submit a letter of interest, resume/CV, and three references to Emmy Casper no later than February 5th, 2023.

Contact Person: Emmy Casper

Contact Email: emmy.casper@conservewildlifenj.org