Spring Bird Banding Assistant

About This Position

This position involves working with the Bird Banding Manager (permitted master bander) to help with all aspects of operating the seasonal, constant-effort mist netting banding station on Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a 1,100-acre coastal wildlife sanctuary in South Wellfleet, MA. Each spring (April 15-May 31), one Bird Banding Field Technician will help run the Wellfleet Bay banding station seven days a week, weather permitting, and help oversee several volunteers. They will lead or co-lead several public banding demonstrations for school groups and adult audiences.

Duties & Responsibilities

    Assist with preseason inventory of all gear and maintain net lane vegetation working with Property Manager
    Open nets each day and take them down at the end of banding
    With banding assistants and select volunteers, conduct frequent net runs to remove all birds and bring them back to station for processing
    Place federal aluminum bands on birds and collect various morphometric, weight, and other data on the bird’s condition before release
    Help supervise a small number of volunteers who help scribe data and eventually, when comfortable, remove birds from nets and handle them during processing
    Maintain effective communication about all job activities with Science Coordinator, Bird Banding Manager, and other external team members and support staff
    Provide photos to Marketing and Outreach Coordinator and post photos to social media accounts
    Conduct banding demonstrations for adults and children in coordination with our Education Department

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:

    Bachelor's Degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience

    Experience removing songbirds from mist nets, banding them, and collecting morphometric data

    Strong familiarity with identification of eastern US songbirds required

    Demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects

    Strong interpersonal skills

    Willingness to spend long hours outdoors in all types of weather

    Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, weather permitting

    Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds

    Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle

    Reliable phone for communication

Compensation & Benefits

$16.60-$18.50/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Additional Information

Work Schedule

April 15-June 1, 2023
Seven days a week, weather permitting, adding up to 40 hours. Rain and wind cancels work days.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
How To Apply

Please apply on ADP Workforce Now at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=452016&lang=en_US&source=EN.