Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program Crew Leader

About This Position

Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Crew Leader positions to train and supervise staff and volunteers in conducting research, monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds and other natural resources. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/cwp

Full-time and part-time positions are available from March through late August.

Coastal Water Bird Program Crew Leader

March 28, 2022 to late August 2022

Multiple positions based at:

• Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnstable MA (covering field sites in Nantucket, Cape Cod, Boston, Wareham, and the North Shore)
• Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Dartmouth MA (covering field sites Westport to Dartmouth)
• Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown MA (covering field sites on Martha’s Vineyard)
• Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet MA (covering field sites Truro to Chatham)
• South Shore Sanctuaries, Marshfield MA (covering field sites from Plymouth to Hull)
• South Beach, Chatham (*note this position requires living in a remote camp setting on a barrier beach)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise field crew (field assistants and volunteers) to meet research, wildlife management and education objectives of the Coastal Water Bird Program
• Train and supervise field assistants and volunteers in collection and management of biological data on nesting, foraging and migrating species of coastal water birds
• Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Water Bird Program
• Assist with sanctuary-based Coastal Water Bird Program staff throughout the region
• Assist in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data; create GIS/Google Earth maps of coastal resources
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities
• Interact with beachgoers to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology. Development and delivery of formal and informal coastal water bird education programs and outreach to beachgoers, community groups, partners, schools, and others may be required depending on location
• Supervise and conduct research on special projects as directed
• Other tasks 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 Have’s: 

• 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
• Three to six months previous supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to set expectations, give feedback, and manage schedules for staff of varying experience levels preferred
• Three to six months prior experience with piping plover/tern/avian field monitoring, data collection and management required
• Applicants should have demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred
• Applicants must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must 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 terrain
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather)
• Must have access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites

 Nice to Have’s: 

• Small boat-handling and kayaking experience preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate of pay is $14.35-$14.50, with some exceptions where payment will be higher to cover the cost of living on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Field travel reimbursement will be provided.
• This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 

• This is a seasonal position, 35 hours per week,  starting in April, 2022 and ending August, 2022.
• The schedule  from April-August will typically include weekend days and two weekdays off. From April-August, the hours are typically still 7 hours/day with some early mornings and later shifts depending on field season needs. Holidays, including Memorial Day and July 4th are required for all CWP staff.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire.

How To Apply

Please send a cover letter (specify position(s) for which you are applying and dates of availability), resume and list of three references via email to: coastalbirdjobs@massaudubon.org and complete a short cover page questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SN5ZBR5 . Your application will not be processed without completion/receipt of the items above. Please label your resume and cover letter with your first and last name.

Lyra Brennan, Director of Coastal Water Bird Program

coastalbirdjobs@massaudubon.org