Crew Leader (Shorebirds, Piping Plovers)

Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Crew Leader positions to train and supervise staff and volunteers in conducting research, monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds and other natural resources. This is a field-based position with 4-5 field days per week with some office work for reporting and data responsibilities. Multiple positions available across coastal Massachusetts, including on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, South Shore and North Shore. Housing options available depending on location (Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard). For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/cwp. 

Responsibilities

• Supervise field crew (field technicians, field assistants and ranger staff) to meet research, wildlife management and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program
• Train and supervise field crew in collection and management of biological data on nesting, foraging and migrating species of coastal waterbirds
• Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program
• Manage target site visitation frequency, including coordination of accessing sites via kayaks or boats (if applicable)
• Assist with sanctuary-based Coastal Waterbird Program staff throughout the region
• Assist in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data; create and maintain online maps for nesting and management activities
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities
• Interact with beachgoers regularly to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology; some formal outreach initiatives may be possible depending on location and capacity
• Supervise and conduct research on special projects as directed
• Other tasks as directed

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in wildlife management and/or biology through coursework, previous employment or volunteering
• Three to six months previous supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to set expectations, give feedback, and manage schedules for staff of varying experience levels preferred
• Three to six months prior experience with avian field monitoring, data collection and management or other relevant wildlife/ecology experience required
• Applicants should have demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Applicants must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs across varied and sandy terrain
• Independent kayaking experience
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (dependent upon wildlife and weather)
• Must have access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites

Nice to Haves

• Direct Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher or tern monitoring experience preferred
• Small boat-handling experience preferred

• Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $19.85-$21.33/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits. 

Shared staff housing may be available for rent on Cape Cod (Long Pasture and Wellfleet Bay) and Martha’s Vineyard (Felix Neck). 

Work Schedule
This position starts on March 24, 2025 and ends on August 22, 2025. The schedule is typically 35-40 hours per week, 8:00am-4:00pm with some earlier days (6:00am-2:00pm) and later days (10:00am-6:00pm) required for special monitoring projects and training. Work on weekends and holidays is common (specifically Memorial Day and Fourth of July), with variable hours and schedule due to weather and site-specific requirements.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.