Predator Control Technician (Massachusetts)

MassWildlife is committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce and a supportive work culture. We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

The Predator Control Technician will manage predators of rare and endangered terns and assist with an intensive program of protection, management, and monitoring at the key nesting islands in Buzzards Bay.

Specific Duties

Assist Site Managers with:
1. Controlling predators of Common Terns and endangered Roseate Terns.
2. Protection and censusing colonies of Common and Roseate Terns, and Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 
3. Discouragement/control of nesting gulls and other predatory species.
4. Monitoring tern growth and productivity; trapping and banding adult terns and chicks; participating in other studies as needed.
5. Habitat management. 
6. Reading bands on adult terns through spotting scopes.
7. Maintaining field notebooks, managing data, and assisting with report-writing.

8. Regularly cleaning and maintaining firearms and other equipment. 

Qualifications Required at Hire

1.       Must be a Massachusetts resident with a valid Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

2.       Must have expertise with hunting and/or predator control utilizing firearms.

3.       Must have a good working knowledge of Massachusetts firearms laws.

4.       Must be comfortable spending long periods of time in the outdoors.

5.       Must be an exceptionally responsible individual.

Preferred Qualifications 

1.       Willingness to work regularly or mostly at night.

2.       Ability to work independently, as well as live and work cooperatively and harmoniously with others. 

3.       Must be comfortable living with others in close quarters in a remote island setting with limited facilities for up to 2-3 weeks at a time. Experience camping under primitive conditions desirable. 

4.       Good physical condition. At PENIKESE, must be able to carry ~40 lbs. of field equipment a distance of 1/2 mile. 

5.       Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences, bird banding experience and experience handling outboard motorboats in the marine environment helpful, but not required.

6.       In-state travel will be required; willingness to use personal vehicle.

Fieldwork will be conducted at BIRD ISLAND, Marion, RAM ISLAND, Mattapoisett, and PENIKESE ISLAND, Gosnold (in Buzzards Bay), Massachusetts.  Work on weekends and holidays is expected. Incumbent will work an average of 5 days/week, but schedule will be irregular. May work on Penikese Island for up to 2 – 3 weeks at a time before getting time off, depending on weather conditions and on an irregular boat schedule to the island. Housing available: crew housing on mainland will be provided for days off and when working on Bird and Ram Islands; field camp accommodations at PENIKESE.  

 A cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references (at least two of which are familiar with applicant’s firearm capabilities) must be submitted as part of the application process. 

Applicants must apply on MassCareers; emailed applications will not be accepted. Go to: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl; under “Organization,” click on “See all organizations,” and check “Department of Fish and Game.”

Additionally, applicants must submit a scan of their FID or LTC card with their application.  

For more information about the positions, contact Carolyn Mostello, carolyn.mostello@mass.gov. Email is for questions only; application must be uploaded to MassCareers. 

Anticipated Start/End Dates: May 6 – July 13, 2024 (10 weeks)

Salary: $16.00-18.00/hr

Anticipated Hours per Week: 40

Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis