Coastal Ecology Program Technician

Position Title: Coastal Ecology Program Technician

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt (not benefit eligible)

Department: Coastal Ecology Program (CEP)

Salary Range: $16.00 – $18.00 (based on qualifications)

Location: Duxbury Beach, Massachusetts 

Hours: 40 hr/wk (May to mid-Aug) and 16-24 hr/week (mid-Aug to Sept) 

(includes holiday and weekends and hours split between different CEP projects)

Schedule: Mid-April/May to September; additional off-season hours may be available

Apply Here 

About the Organization: Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, owns approximately 4.5 miles of Duxbury Beach, a 7.5-mile long barrier beach that extends from Marshfield in the north to Gurnet Point and Saquish, Plymouth to the south. The Reservation’s mission is to preserve the beach structure, protect its ecological resources, and maintain recreational access. Part of this responsibility is to manage the Coastal Ecology Program on Duxbury Beach. 

Nature of Work:

As a Coastal Ecology Program Technician, you will have a unique opportunity to gain skills managing vegetation, surveying for shorebirds, and introducing and educating beachgoers. The primary duties of this position will consist of vegetation, education and outreach, and coordinating volunteers. The Coastal Ecology Program maintains a robust vegetation program that helps to monitor plant life on the beach, promote native plants, and control invasive species. As part of the vegetation program, you will monitor vegetation recolonization on completed nourishment projects, survey and invasive species removal, and engage the public in your efforts through invasive species removal volunteer days. The Endangered Species Program also falls under the Coastal Ecology program, and as part of the role, you will help in surveying for and protecting nesting shorebirds listed under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, Duxbury Beach Reservation (DBR) implements education tables throughout the summer. These tables help to provide a point of contact with visitors and allow DBR to engage visitors on important beach topics. As the Coastal Ecology Program Technician, you will help in creating materials and staffing the education tables.  

Responsibilities and Duties:

Field Work and data collection:

• Maintain a sitewide map of invasive plants through surveying/mapping each patch (spring/summer)
• Treat invasive species using hand removal techniques (summer)
• Create or maintain species inventories for nourishment or construction projects (summer/fall)
• Conduct vegetation and soil monitoring for dune nourishment projects (fall)
• Utilize ArcGIS applications for recording data
• Other tasks as assigned

Supervisory, Communication, Volunteer coordination, and Outreach:

• Create social media posts highlighting vegetation work (at least 2x/month)
• Develop/update materials on vegetation and management practices for DBR, the DBR website and outreach
• Work with Outreach Coordinator to coordinate and lead at least five volunteer invasive species projects during the summer and/or fall
• Train and supervise Endangered Species Program Shorebird Monitors in invasive plant removal
• Work with DBR staff to create materials, schedule, and staff outreach tables

Avian field work:

• Assist Endangered Species Program as a Shorebird Monitor or Field Technician (dependant on past avian monitor experience) as needed in the implementation of Duxbury Beach Reservation’s Certificate of Inclusion; projected to be about 16 hours/week during the height of the season mid-May to mid-July

Administrative Tasks: 

• Create an end-of-season report with work completed, priorities for next season, and a summary of volunteer events
• Maintain volunteer project information
• Participate in Coastal Ecology Team meetings
• Present at the annual Coastal Ecology Symposium (fall)
• Collaborate to create new protocols and SOPs for vegetation management
• Proof data to ensure data quality at the end of the season

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Applicants with a B.S. or B.A. or higher in biology/botany or related field, or equivalent work experience preferred. A minimum of one year professional experience in vegetation monitoring or similar field
• Knowledge of Massachusetts vegetation, including invasive and native plants
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinate employees, the public, and ability to carry out specific tasks as assigned by the Reservation Coordinator
• Experience, interest, or willingness to learn about Piping Plover and Least Tern nesting ecology in order to help in nesting species management as needed is desired
• Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs across varied and sandy terrain
• Be prepared to work outdoors with exposure to extreme weather conditions in secluded areas. Practice extreme care and safety precautions while on the job including following special safety precautions, training, and wear PPE
• Coastal Ecology Program Technician will be required to find their own housing as well as reliable transportation to and from work. Use of personal vehicles may be required to access remote sections of the beach but work vehicles may be available.

Special Requirements: Valid Driver’s License and ability to operate related program equipment and vehicles. Specific vision abilities required include close, medium, and distance vision, the ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors and shapes, and the ability to read pertinent documents. Auditory demands include communicating with others on a regular basis. Ability to use hands and fingers for the manual removal of invasive plants. 

Supervision Received: Reports directly to Duxbury Beach Reservation’s Reservation Coordinator