Coastal Waterbird Program Crew Leader

Mass Audubon • Edgartown, MA

8d • $21 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Crew Leader positions to train and supervise staff and volunteers in conducting research, monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds and other natural resources. This is a field-based position with 4-5 field days per week with some office work for reporting and data responsibilities and offers opportunities to take on varied projects as needed. Multiple positions are available across coastal Massachusetts, including on Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket, Boston, South Shore and North Shore. Housing options may be available depending on location and availability. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/cwp.

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife management and/or biology through coursework, previous employment or volunteering
• Three to six months of previous supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to set expectations, give feedback, and manage schedules for staff of varying experience levels preferred
• Three to six months of prior experience with avian field monitoring, data collection and management or other relevant wildlife/ecology experience required
• Demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs across varied and sandy terrain
• Independent kayaking experience
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather)
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for daily driving between sites
• Must be available to start work on March 23, 2026

Nice To Haves

• Direct Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher or tern monitoring experience preferred
• Small boat-handling experience preferred
• Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred

Responsibilities

• Supervise field crew (field technicians and ranger staff) to meet research, wildlife management and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program
• Train and supervise field crew in collection and management of biological data on nesting, foraging and migrating species of coastal waterbirds
• Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program
• Manage target site visitation frequency, including coordination of accessing sites via kayaks or boats (if applicable)
• Assist with sanctuary-based Coastal Waterbird Program staff throughout the region
• Assist in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data; create and maintain online maps for nesting and management activities
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities
• Interact with beachgoers regularly to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology; some formal outreach initiatives may be possible depending on location and capacity
• Supervise and conduct research on special projects as directed

Benefits

• This positions pay range is $20.75-$22.50/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
• This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.
• Shared staff housing may be available for rent at some locations.
• Housing is available on a first come, first serve basis.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees