Lead Seasonal Shorebird Technician

Description:

 The Trustees of Reservations is seeking an individual to assist in leading a team tasked with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.  The Trustees are responsible for shorebird management on four different properties on Martha’s Vineyard: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Leland Beach, Wasque Reservation, and Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Cape Poge, Leland, and Wasque comprise a contiguous ten mile barrier beach system on Chappaquiddick Island; a small island easily accessible from the main island via a short ferry ride. This idyllic and diverse beach complex boasts unique maritime juniper forests, saltmarshes, salt ponds, and extensive dune systems which provide refuge for countless species year-round. Long Point Wildlife Refuge sits on the south shore of the main island of Martha’s Vineyard. The upland portion of the property is comprised of globally rare sandplain grassland and coastal heathland habitats that host an array of imperiled plant, bird, and invertebrate species. The shoreline of Long Point is approximately one mile in length and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and three coastal salt ponds to the north. Together, these beaches provide critical habitat for a number of threatened species but are also popular outdoor recreation destinations. This is a seasonal, full-time position supervised by the Coastal Ecologist and is expected to begin in April/May and continue into August.
 
Salary Range: $18/hr - $22/hr

Essential Functions: 

• Perform daily monitoring and management activities for breeding piping plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, and several species of tern- including collecting data on nest location, nest protection, and chick monitoring following established protocols.  
• Compose weekly reports on the status of beach nesting birds and beach access to be distributed organization wide. 
• Assist the Coastal Ecologist in supervising one shorebird technician and ensure that shorebird data is accurate, organized, and up to date. 
• Regularly communicate with the Coastal Ecologist, shorebird staff, and property management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our shorebird protection program. 
• Install, maintain, and remove symbolic fencing and signage used to protect breeding and migratory shorebirds and their habitats. 
• Assist with targeted predator control and monitoring efforts. 
• Compile and report productivity data for state piping plover, American oystercatcher, and tern censuses and complete an end of season internal report. 
• Occasionally interact and educate visitors about shorebird and barrier beach ecology. 
• Assist with the collection of post-breeding migratory shorebird abundance and distribution data.

Qualifications: 

• Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, ornithology, or related experience.
• The ability to identify birds.
• At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be shorebird related experience).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and closely with other staff and the public.

Preferred Applicants Will Have Experience With: 

• Beach-nesting shorebirds and identifying them by sight and sound. 
• Biological data collection and data management. 
• Wildlife tracking. 
• Working in coastal environments, and awareness of threats to beach nesting birds (e.g., predation, dogs, and human disturbance).  
• Operating off-road vehicles. 

Other Requirements:

• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions. 
• The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances on the beach. 
• The ability to lift/carry 30 pounds. 
• The ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional irregular hours. 
• Driving on the beach is an essential function of this job, a valid driver’s license as well as a satisfactory driving record is required as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. Prior experience with driving on the beach is not required and beach driving training will be provided. 
• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI). 

Apply here: Lead Shorebird Tech- MV