Job
Title: Seasonal Shorebird
Monitor/Invasive Species Field Assi
Job
Title: Seasonal Shorebird
Monitor/Invasive Species Field Assistant (6
months)
Job
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.
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;
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 withparticular 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.
Dates/Hours: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, although shorebird monitoring will be required on holidays and some
weekends (particularly Memorial Day and July 4th). Work schedule may also vary
depending on
weather, tides, etc.
Wages/Benefits: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.
Location: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is
located on Nantucket Island, MA (www.nantucket.net), ~
33 miles south of Cape Cod. Nantucket is
dominated by sandplain grasslands, coastal healthlands, and scrub oak
shrublands (all rare habitats in the Northeast) as well as coastal plain ponds
and tidal marshes. For more information on our mission and research projects,
please see the Foundation’s website (www.nantucketconservation.org).
Application: Application deadline
is January 20, 2013 by 5pm. 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
For more
information, contact Dr. Jennifer Karberg: [email protected]
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is an equal
opportunity employer
