Bird Banding Assistants, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay (corrected)

We are looking for two banding assistants to work with the Bird Banding Manager (permitted master bander) to help with all aspects of operating the seasonal, constant-effort mist netting banding station on Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a 1,100-acre coastal wildlife sanctuary in South Wellfleet, MA. Over the course of the fall season, (August 27-November 20, 2023) two Bird Banding Field Technicians help run Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay’s banding station seven days per week, weather permitting, for a roughly three-weeks-on, three-weeks-off schedule for a total of 6 weeks at Wellfleet Bay. During their time at Wellfleet Bay, the Bird Banding Field Technicians help oversee several volunteers and lead or co-lead several public banding demonstrations for school groups and adult audiences. Applicants will also be considered for separate but coordinated employment with the Monomoy Bird Observatory, also in the fall season during alternate weeks - see posting at:

Application Instructions

Apply at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=457720&lang=en_US and make sure to upload resume and three references, and detail your experience processing birds from mist nets. Contact mfaherty@massaudubon.org with questions.

Responsibilities

•     Assist with preseason inventory of all gear and maintain net lane vegetation working with Property Manager
•     Open nets each day and take them down at the end of banding
•     With banding assistants and select volunteers, conduct frequent net runs to remove all birds and bring them back to station for processing
•     Place federal aluminum bands on birds and collect various morphometric, weight, and other data on the bird’s condition before release
•     Help supervise a small number of volunteers who help scribe data and eventually, when comfortable, remove birds from nets and handle them during processing
•     Maintain effective communication about all job activities with Science Coordinator, Bird Banding Manager, and other external team members and support staff
•     Provide photos to Marketing and Outreach Coordinator and post photos to social media accounts
•     Conduct banding demonstrations for adults and children in coordination with our Education Department
•     Perform other position-related duties as assigned

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:

•     Bachelor's Degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience
•     Experience removing songbirds from mist nets, banding them, and collecting morphometric data; please indicate in your application how many birds you have processed
•     Strong familiarity with identification of eastern US songbirds required
•     Demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects
•     Strong interpersonal skills
•     Willingness to spend long hours outdoors in all types of weather
•     Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, weather permitting
•     Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds
•     Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle
•     Reliable phone for communication

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 is not a benefits eligible position. Shared housing is available at $30-35/week.

Work Schedule

This position starts on August 27, 2023 and ends on November 20, 2023, following a roughly two week on, two week off schedule, with weeks off coordinated with separate employment with Monomoy Bird Observatory.  The work schedule is seven days per week, weather permitting, up to 40 hours per week.

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.