HORSESHOE CRAB AND COASTAL WATERBIRD FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANT Location: South Wellfleet, MA
Overview: Mass Audubon is seeking to fill a joint seasonal horseshoe crab and coastal waterbird field research assistant position based at the 800 acre Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod. The horseshoe crab research involves working on horseshoe crab spawning surveys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service button tagging, and acoustic telemetry. The coastal waterbird research includes monitoring, management, and protection of coastal birds through the Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program. Responsibilities: - Assist with visual horseshoe crab spawning surveys and USFWS mark-recapture tag studies - Assist with an acoustic telemetry project on Wellfleet Harbor’s horseshoe crab population - Collect biological data on nesting, foraging, and migrating species of coastal waterbirds - Assist in compilation of data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms - Enter, analyze, map, and summarize abundance, demographic, productivity, and behavioral data collected through the aforementioned projects - Educate and guide public and youth groups through presentations, programs, and field work Qualifications: - Working toward or have received a Bachelor's Degree in wildlife biology or management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or a related field - Previous field experience and interest in coastal ecology and wildlife management - Experience in behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, and coastal wildlife management issues - Strong interpersonal skills and motivated work ethic - Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends, holidays, and nights - Willingness to work outdoors in the sun or adverse weather conditions often for long hours on beaches, tidal flats, salt marshes, and boats - Applicants must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds across sandy and muddy terrain - Applicants must have a valid driver’s license with a reliable vehicle to access field sites - Desirable qualifications include boating and GIS experience Details: - Position is based in South Wellfleet, Massachusetts with field sites covering Truro to Chatham - Position is full time from April through June with the possibility of extension through August - Pay is $11.50-$12.50/hour depending on experience and field travel reimbursement is provided - Dorm housing may be available for $30-35/week from April through June with the possibility of extension through August - Applicant must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI, and driver's) To Apply: Send a cover letter (please include dates of availability and if you have local housing available), resume or CV, and contact info for three references in one PDF document to Michael Long at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with "Horseshoe Crab & Coastal Waterbird Field Research Assistant" in the subject line by March 10, 2017.
