Shorebird Monitor Supervisor

Position Title: Shorebird Monitor Supervisor

Department: Coastal Ecology Program (CEP)

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt (not benefit eligible)

Salary Range: $17.00- $18.00 (based on qualifications)

Location: Duxbury Beach 

Hours: Variable; including weekends, nights & holidays; 18-40 hr/wk

Schedule: April to September; additional off-season hours as necessary

About the Organization: The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, owns approximately 4 miles of Duxbury Beach, a 7.5-mile long barrier beach that extends from Marshfield in the north to Gurnet Point and Saquish in the south. The Reservation’s mission is to protect the beach structure, preserve its ecological resources and maintain recreational access. Part of this responsibility is to maintain a Coastal Ecology Program on Duxbury Beach. 

Nature of Work: The purpose of this position is to assist in the protection of the listed shorebird species Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Least Tern (Sternula antillarum). Shorebird Monitor Supervisor will assist with supervisory, administrative, biological observation, and data collection for the Endangered Species Program. Shorebird Monitor Supervisors will work together to train, schedule, and supervise Shorebird Monitors. They will provide day-to-day supervision and mentorship for Shorebird Monitors to ensure protocols including but not limited to, behavioral data collection, predator observations, visitor statistics, Piping Plover road crossings, Least Tern colony and nursery observations, barrier use, etc. and ensure they are implemented correctly. Shorebird Monitor Supervisors will perform biological field work, install and adjust fencing, and interact and communicate with the public to provide information about beach rules and regulations in a polite and professional manner. 

Responsibilities and Duties: The responsibilities and duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Supervisory and Administrative Tasks:

• Assist in initial training of Shorebird Monitors and provide follow-up training as necessary 
• Attend meetings and trainings scheduled by the Field Coordinator
• Create and publish weekly Shorebird Monitor schedules and create daily assignments for Shorebird Monitors for sufficient Piping Plover brood coverage
• Approve time off request of Shorebird Monitors
• Provide verbal and written feedback on Shorebird Monitor performance, and administer written or verbal warnings regarding Shorebird Monitor behavior as necessary 
• Provide mentorship to Shorebird Monitors on field and data collection, public interaction, and other skills pertaining to their position
• Ensure that the quality of work and data collection completed by Shorebird Monitors is up to the standard required by the Endangered Species Program with feedback and guidance provided as needed
• Conduct end of season performance evaluations on Shorebird Monitors
• Understand and abide by Duxbury Beach Rules & Regulations, the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover Certificate of Inclusion and the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan as they pertain to the daily operations of the Reservation
• Carry out related duties as required

Data Collection:

• Use ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123, and other ArcGIS applications to record biological and other data
• Assist in the management of collected seasonal data including abundance, productivity, and behavioral data
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and assist the Field Coordinator with summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities 
• Daily review of Monitor data collection detailing daily movement of broods and chicks
• Uphold high standards of data collection
• Review and proof data throughout the season as time allows
• Provide feedback and clarification on field data

Communication:

• Submit daily updates on Piping Plovers, Least terns, and Shorebird Monitors via email, text message, slack or phone call to the Program Coordinator, other Duxbury Beach Reservation staff
• Communicate observations of enforcement issues directly to the Town of Duxbury Beach Operation Rangers through Slack
• Communicate with Duxbury Beach Reservation staff, Town of Duxbury staff, and public regarding motor vehicle, pedestrian,  and/or dog closure areas on Duxbury Beach. Communicate issues to Town of Duxbury Beach Operations staff
• Daily communication with Shorebird Monitors in; task assignment, field assistance, assistance in road closures, resolving scheduling conflicts, etc. 
• Accomplish the wildlife and education objectives of the Endangered Species Program

Biological Field Work:

• Conduct nest searching and monitoring for listed species
• Behavioral observations of Piping Plover pairs, broods, and Least Tern chick nurseries 
• Assist Program Coordinator and other Duxbury Beach Reservation staff in identifying vulnerable nesting sites 
• Assist Shorebird Monitors in locating plover broods and tern chicks. 
• Assist Field Technicians in Least Tern colony and chick surveys as needed
• Identify shorebirds of the Eastern U.S. 
• Collect data of predator usage on the beach through observations of sightings, tracks, and signs
• Perform functions related to the DBR Certificate of Inclusion under the MA Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plovers and Least Terns, including implementing road closures, installing and maintaining fencing and barriers, and public outreach

Additional tasks may be assigned (depending on need and availability) that are related, but not limited, to; vegetation sampling, invasive plant removal, avian composition surveys, dune monitoring, etc. 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants with a B.S. or B.A. or higher in wildlife biology/management or related field, or equivalent work experience, are strongly preferred. A minimum of one-year professional experience in avian monitoring or a similar field 
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Interest or willingness to learn about the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, Massachusetts Barrier Beach guidelines and Federal Barrier Beach guidelines 
• Interest or willingness to learn about the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan
• Experience with behavioral data collection, wildlife tracking, and coastal wildlife management issues
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinate employees, and the public, and the ability to carry out specific tasks as assigned by the Program Coordinator
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 preferred but not necessary 
• Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 60lbs across varied and sandy terrain
• Be prepared to work outdoors with exposure to extreme weather conditions in secluded areas. Practice extreme care and safety precautions while on the job including following special safety precautions, training, and wear protective clothing such as coats, hats, sunglasses, boots, etc.
• Monitor Supervisors will be required to find their own housing as well as reliable transportation to and from work. Use of personal vehicles may be required to access remote sections of the beach.
• Monitor Supervisors will be required to provide their own binoculars

Special Requirements: Valid Driver’s License and ability to operate related program equipment and vehicles. Specific vision abilities required include close, medium, and distance vision, the ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors and shapes, and the ability to read pertinent documents. Auditory demands include communicating with others on a regular basis and distinguishing between different types of bird calls. Ability to use hands and fingers to calibrate and use field equipment such as binoculars and tablets.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Duxbury Beach Reservation’s Endangered Species Program Field Coordinator. 

How to Apply: The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. To apply, please fill out a job application by going to https://duxburybeach.bamboohr.com/jobs/. Your application will not be processed without completion/receipt of the items above.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will begin in January. If you have any questions about the position or application process, please email alec@duxburybeachreservation.org and/or careers@duxburybeachreservation.org with “Shorebird Monitor Supervisor 2024” in the subject line.