Seasonal Shorebird Technician

The Trustees of Reservations • Ipswich, MA

14h • $19 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

Crane Beach is an exemplary example of a barrier beach and is one of the few remaining barrier beaches in New England where the near absence of human infrastructure has left the landscape wild and largely unimpeded. As a result, it provides critical habitat for wildlife and is a popular outdoor recreation destination. Crane Beach is among the world’s most important nesting sites for threatened piping plovers and is part of the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern which has been designated a globally important site for migratory shorebirds by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The Shorebird Technician is part of a team responsible for barrier beach protection and management. As a Shorebird Technician, you will assist with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds at Crane Beach, a 1,200-acre barrier beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related experience.
• The ability to identify birds.
• At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be shorebird experience).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and closely with other staff and the public.
• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions.
• The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances on the beach.
• The ability to lift/carry 40 pounds.
• The ability to work weekends and irregular hours.
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

• Beach-nesting shorebirds and identifying them by sight and sound.
• Biological data collection and data management.
• Wildlife tracking.
• Working in coastal environments and have awareness of threats to beach-nesting birds (e.g., predation, dogs, and human disturbance).
• Operating off-road vehicles and handheld radios.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily monitoring and management activities for breeding piping plovers and least-terns, including nest location, nest protection, and chick monitoring following established protocols.
• Assist with daily reports on the breeding status and location of nesting shorebirds and communicate with the Coastal Ecologist and property management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our barrier beach protection program.
• Install, maintain, and remove symbolic fencing and signage used to protect breeding and migratory shorebirds.
• Assist with targeted predator management and monitoring efforts.
• Assist in compilation of data for state piping plover and least-tern census and end-of-season reporting.
• Public interaction with beachgoers about shorebird and barrier beach ecology.
• Assist with the collection of migratory shorebird abundance and distribution data.
• Support property staff on matters pertaining to coastal ecology (i.e. injured and washed-up wildlife)
• Other tasks and duties may include but not limited to: inland rare species monitoring, deer browse impact surveys, and other bird species surveys.

Benefits

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated)
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees