Seasonal Shorebird Monitor

Nantucket Conservation Foundation•Nantucket, MA

5d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration seeks a motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant, independent Shorebird Monitor. From late March to mid-August, the shorebird monitor will focus intensively on nest searching, monitoring and protecting rare beach-nesting shorebirds, and summarizing and reporting end of season data. The Shorebird Monitor will work both independently, and collaboratively with the Wildlife Ecology Program Manager, the Seasonal Wildlife Ecology Field Assistant, Coatue Ranger, and volunteers and interns. As the shorebird nesting season winds down, the potential exists to assist the NCF’s Ecology Department with additional ecological field work. Applicants with previous wildlife monitoring, and especially shorebird monitoring and nest searching experience, will be given preference for this position.

Requirements

Completed or in progress B.S. or B.A. degree in Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, or a related biological/ecological field.
Strong observational, critical thinking and organizational skills and the ability keep accurate and up-to-date field notes.
Experience using GPS units in the field and recording data on mobile phone apps.
Experience using binoculars and spotting scopes for wildlife monitoring.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
A valid driver’s license is required

Nice To Haves

Candidates with one or more seasons of field experience monitoring nesting shorebird populations will be given high preference.
4WD beach driving experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Locating and regularly monitoring nests and documenting nest success of shorebirds including American Oystercatchers, Least and Common Terns and Piping Plovers at multiple locations on NCF properties on Nantucket Island
Participate in banding American Oystercatcher chicks
Installing and maintaining fencing and educational signs
Interacting and educating beach visitors about shorebird ecology and necessary protection measures
Using spotting scopes, cameras and binoculars to accurately record sightings of color-banded birds
Participating in local and regional shorebird monitoring meetings throughout the season
Maintaining online reporting databases, collecting detailed field notes, data entry and quality control.
Communicating, collaborating, and coordinating regularly with NCF’s Wildlife Ecology Project Manager.
Occasionally participate in environmental education/interpretive events, assist with tasks related to development and fundraising activities, and other wildlife related projects, as needed.
Potential additional responsibilities (dependent on need and time) include horseshoe crab monitoring, invasive plant species management and assisting with other ecological field work and data entry/quality control.