Seasonal Wildlife Field Assistant

Nantucket Conservation Foundation•Nantucket, MA

8h•$22•Onsite

About The Position

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a non-profit land trust that holds approximately 9,000 acres of permanently protected land on Nantucket Island. Our Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration Department seeks a Wildlife Field Assistant to conduct wildlife-related ecological field work and stewardship activities for the 2026 field season. Candidates should have some wildlife-related field work experience, and be motivated, enthusiastic, and self-reliant. For more information on NCF, our mission and current research projects, please see the Foundation’s website www.nantucketconservation.org

Requirements

B.S. or B.A. in Wildlife Ecology, Biology and/or Management, Environmental Science, or a related biological/ecological field
One full season of field work experience required with experience in wildlife monitoring and handling
Experience using GPS units in the field and competency with Microsoft programs
Strong observational, critical thinking and organizational skills are essential, as is the ability to accurately collect data and record field notes
Individuals must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team
A valid driver's license is required

Nice To Haves

Previous wildlife handling and trapping experience is strongly preferred
Interest in invasive plant species management and willingness to participate in manual aspects of invasive species management projects

Responsibilities

Survey spotted turtle populations as part of a wetland restoration project; use radio telemetry to track movements of spotted turtles
Assist with shorebird population monitoring, nest searching, banding of American oystercatchers; maintaining fencing and interacting with the public on beaches
Survey horseshoe crab populations on harbor beaches during day and night high tides
Bat population monitoring through deployment of acoustic detectors, mist-netting, and radio telemetry to locate maternity roosts
Conduct surveys of spring peeper chorusing phenology
Participate in surveys for Tree swallows, Eastern whippoorwills, and American woodcock
Tick presence/absence and abundance surveys
Monitoring of Invasive insect presence including Southern Pine Beetle and Spotted Lantern Fly
Data entry and quality control
Inventory, monitor, and manage invasive plant species including hand digging, pulling and assisting a certified herbicide applicator
Assist with other wildlife or general ecology research as needed
Occasional participation in environmental education and interpretive events as well as assisting with random tasks related to development and/or fundraising activities as needed
Occasional collaboration and coordination on projects with partner conservation organizations on Island
Communicating, collaborating, and coordinating with NCF’s Wildlife Ecology Project Manager