Tern Colony Assistant (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 Tern Colony Assistant restores endangered terns to Buzzards Bay through an intensive program of protection, management, and monitoring at the key nesting islands. 

Specific duties

Assist Site Managers with:

1.       Protection and censusing colonies of Common and endangered Roseate Terns, and Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls.

2.       Discouragement of nesting gulls.

3.       Monitoring tern growth and productivity; trapping and banding adult and chicks; participating in other studies as needed. 

4.       Reading bands on adults through spotting scopes.

5.       Predator control and habitat management.

6.       Maintaining field notebooks, data management, and writing an end-of-season report. 

Preferred Qualifications

1.       Experience banding birds

2.       BIRD/RAM ISLANDS: Experience handling outboard motorboats in the marine environment helpful.

3.       PENIKESE ISLAND: Experience camping under primitive conditions desirable. Person hired will be required to help set up and live in a field camp on the island.     

4.       Good physical condition. At PENIKESE ISLAND, must be able to carry ~40 lbs. of field equipment a distance of ½ mile.

5.       Ability to work independently, as well as live and work cooperatively and harmoniously with others. At PENIKESE ISLAND must be comfortable living with others in close quarters in a remote island setting with limited facilities for 2-3 weeks at a time.

6.       Willingness to work at night when required

Comments:

Fieldwork will be conducted in Southeastern Massachusetts at BIRD ISLAND, Marion, RAM ISLAND, Mattapoisett, and PENIKESE ISLAND, Gosnold (in Buzzards Bay). Work on weekends and holidays is expected. BIRD/RAM ISLANDS: During the field season, incumbents will be expected to work on an irregular 5 day/week schedule, traveling to and from the islands daily by boat. Crew housing on mainland will be provided. PENIKESE ISLAND: Incumbent will work an average of 6 days/week but will work on the 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.  

No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.

 A cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references 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.”

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.