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

Specific duties include:

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.       Scheduling and supervision of seasonal interns and predator control technician. 

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

8.       BIRD/RAM ISLANDS: Operation of outboard motorboats in marine environment.

Qualifications: Must have previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences and be comfortable spending long periods of time in the outdoors.

Preferred Qualifications:

1.       Experience supervising field personnel.

2.       Experience banding birds.

3.       Experience handling outboard motorboats in the marine environment.

4.       Good physical condition.

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

6.       Willingness to work at night when required.

7.       Willingness to use personal vehicle. 

Comments:

Fieldwork will be conducted in Southeastern Massachusetts at BIRD ISLAND, Marion, RAM ISLAND, Mattapoisett in Buzzards Bay. Work on weekends and holidays is expected. 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. Housing available: crew housing on mainland will be provided.

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: $18.00 - $26.00/hr

Anticipated Hours per Week: 40

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