Seasonal Shorebird Technician – Crane Beach

Position Summary: 

The Trustees of Reservations are seeking individuals to assist with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds at Crane Beach, a 1,200-acre barrier beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts.  Crane Beach is an exemplary example of a barrier beach and is one of the few remaining barrier beaches in New England where the near absence of human infrastructure has left the landscape wild and largely unimpeded. As a result, it provides critical habitat for wildlife and is a popular outdoor recreation destination. Crane beach is among the world’s most important nesting sites for threatened piping plovers and is part of the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern which has been designated a globally important site for migratory shorebirds by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The Shorebird Technician is part of a team responsible for barrier beach protection and management. This is a seasonal, full-time position is expected to begin in April/May and continue through August.  

Salary Range: $16.5/hr – $19/hr

Essential Functions: 

• Perform daily monitoring and management activities for breeding piping plovers and least-terns, including: nest location, nest protection, and chick monitoring following established protocols.  
• Assist with daily reports on the breeding status and location of nesting shorebirds and communicate with the Coastal Ecologist and property management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our barrier beach protection program. 
• Install, maintain, and remove symbolic fencing and signage used to protect breeding and migratory shorebirds. 
• Assist with targeted predator management and monitoring efforts. 
• Assist in compilation of data for state piping plover and least-tern census and end of season reporting. 
• Public interaction with beach goers about shorebird and barrier beach ecology. 
• Assist with the collection of migratory shorebird abundance and distribution data.  
• Other tasks and duties may include but not limited to inland rare species monitoring, deer browse impact surveys, and other bird species surveys.  

Qualifications: 

• Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related experience. 
• The ability to identify birds.  
• At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be shorebird experience). 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• The ability to work independently and closely with other staff and the public. 

Preferred Applicants will have Experience with: 

• Beach-nesting shorebirds and identifying them by sight and sound. 
• Biological data collection and data management. 
• Wildlife tracking. 
• Working in coastal environments and have awareness of threats to beach nesting birds (e.g., predation, dogs, and human disturbance).  
• Operating off-road vehicles and handheld radios. 

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 on the beach. 
• The ability to lift/carry 30 pounds. 
• The ability to work weekends and irregular hours. 
• Driving on the beach is an essential function of this job, a valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record is required as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. Prior experience with driving on the beach is not required, and training on how to drive on the beach will be provided.
• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).