Seasonal Shorebird Monitor/Invasive Species Field Assistant — Nantucket, MA

Organization: Nantucket Conservation Foundation

Job Title: Seasonal Shorebird Monitor/Invasive Species Field Assistant

Location: Nantucket, MA

Hours and Compensation: Housing and work-related transportation is provided. Wage is commensurate with experience (range between $12-13/hour). Medical and unemployment insurance, paid holidays, and paid sick days are not available to seasonal employees. Transportation is not provided after working hours.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2013 by 5pm

Position Dates: This is a full-time, temporary position beginning in mid-April and ending in mid-October; exact ending date can be flexible. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, averaging eight hours per day

Description

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. (www.nantucketconservation.org), Department of Science and Stewardship is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant, independent field assistant. For the first 4 months, the field assistant will be focused intensively on monitoring and protecting rare beach-nesting shorebirds on our many different conservation properties. For the last 2 months, the field assistant will participate in invasive species monitoring and management as well as other field assistant duties. Previous shorebird monitoring and nest searching experience is required for this position.

Responsibilities

Shorebird Monitoring Responsibilities:

1. Locating nests, monitoring populations and documenting nest success of shorebirds including American Oystercatchers, Least and Common Terns and Piping Plovers at multiple locations on Nantucket;
2. Accurately recording sightings of color-banded birds, locating and monitoring nests and unfledged chicks to determine breeding success, and documenting causes of nest failure where possible;
3. Protecting populations of shorebirds through placement of fencing and educational signs and public education in the field;
4. Resighting banded American Oystercatchers and maintaining of online report databases;
5. Recording occurrences of non-breeding shorebirds that utilize nesting beaches as feeding and resting areas during migration;
6. Participating in local and regional shorebird monitoring meetings throughout the season;
7. Collecting detailed field notes, data entry, quality control, and proof-reading;

Additional Field Assistant Responsibilities:

1. Inventory, monitoring, and management of invasive plant species including hand digging and pulling and assisting a certified herbicide applicator in invasive species management by cutting stems, bagging and hauling away treated material;
2. Assisting in seed collection of native species for propagation;
3. Outplanting native species for habitat and property restoration projects;
4. Monitoring and tagging horseshoe crab populations;
5. Assisting in field work on other Nantucket Conservation Foundation projects as time and resources allow;
6. Co-leading interpretive walks for Conservation Foundation members;

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, or a related biological/ecological field. Candidate must have at least one season of field experience monitoring shorebird populations.Strong observational, critical thinking and organizational skills are essential, as is the ability keep accurate and up to date field notes. Applicants should have experience with GPS units. Individuals must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team. A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: This is a field intensive position and applicants must be able to tolerate adverse field conditions. Field work includes the possibility for inclement weather and variable terrain, potential exposure to herbicides, poisonous plants and biting insects. The work involves hiking extensive distances over sand while hauling/installing fencing and signs and standing, bending and kneeling on a routine basis.

Desired Qualifications: Preference will be give to applications with particular experience with shorebird monitoring in the Northeast. An interest in plant ID or botany experience is desired as well an experience with or interest in invasive species management and willingness to assist a certified herbicide applicator through stem cutting and hauling away of treated materials.

How to Apply

Application:  For a complete application, please submit ONE DOCUMENT with a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references and a copy of your college transcripts (an unofficial copy is acceptable). All applications must be submitted online at:

http://www.smartrecruiters.com/NantucketConservationFoundation