Seasonal Shorebird Technician

The Trustees of Reservations are seeking an individual to assist 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 through August.

Apply Here: Trustees Job Postings

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.

Help 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.

Assist in the compilation of productivity data for state piping plover, American oystercatcher, and tern censuses.

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 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).

About The Trustees:

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Every season brings an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.