Seasonal Coastal Ecologist - Ipswich, MA
The Opportunity.
The Trustees of Reservations are seeking a qualified individual to assist with monitoring, research, and management activities associated with several of our priority monitoring and management programs in Eastern Massachusetts. Priorities include designing and implementing monitoring programs at three locations in the Great Marsh (the largest salt marsh ecosystem in New England and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern) and monitoring 15 properties throughout eastern Massachusetts for white tailed deer browse impacts. The Seasonal Coastal Ecologist is part of the Coastal Ecology Team responsible for exemplary coastal habitat protection and management including 2,000 acres of salt marsh, 26 miles of barrier beach and an exemplary beach-nesting shorebird program. This is a seasonal, full-time position expected to begin in April and continue through August/September. This is a 22 week position.
In This Role You Will :
- Establish monitoring protocols for salt marsh feeding birds and larval mosquito densities on more than 300 acres of salt marsh at three locations in the Great Marsh
- Survey breeding marsh birds with a focus on salt marsh sparrows on 300 acres of salt marsh following established protocols (i.e., SHARP)
- Work closely with contractor on implementing salt marsh restoration actions including volunteer participation on 85 acres of salt marsh
- Survey marsh breeding mosquitoes on 300 acres of salt marsh and coordinate volunteer participation
- Survey non-breeding birds within salt marsh restoration areas and coordinate volunteer participation
- Survey monitoring plots for deer browse at 15 properties throughout eastern Massachusetts following established protocol
- Provide daily oversight for seasonal intern assisting with coastal habitat and species monitoring
- Analyze collected data for birds, mosquitoes and deer and report findings
- Educate the public about salt marsh importance and restoration, includes volunteers and occasional public program.
- Other tasks and duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field
- The ability to identify marsh feeding and breeding birds by sight and sound
- At least 3 months of previous field experience
- Strong verbal communication skills
- The ability to work closely with other staff, volunteers and the public
Preferred Applicants will have Experience with:
- Marsh-nesting bird surveys (experience with SHARP protocols preferred)
- Behavioral and physical data collection
- Identifying common woody plant species of the northeast, US
- Coastal wildlife management issues
- GPS and GIS mapping
- Working with volunteers and/or citizen science programs
Other Requirements:
- The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions
- The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances
- The ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds
- The ability to occasionally work some weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (depending upon wildlife, weather, tides and contractor availability)
- A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy
- A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI)
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly paid position.
About The Trustees
The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households.
The Trustees has been featured in the Top 100 Women-Led Organizations in Massachusetts for six consecutive years.
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of its team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.
The Trustees is a signer of the Boston Women’s Workforce Council and a Member of the Boston College Center for Work and Family.
We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.