Field Technician

Position Title: Field Technician

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

Department: Coastal Ecology Program (CEP)

Salary Range: $17.00 – $18.00 (based on qualifications)

Location: Duxbury Beach 

Hours: Variable; including weekends, nights & holidays; 18-40 hr/wk

Schedule: April to September; additional off-season hours as necessary

About the Organization: The 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 in the south. The Reservation’s mission is to protect the beach structure, preserve its ecological resources and maintain recreational access. Part of this responsibility is to maintain a Coastal Ecology Program on Duxbury Beach. 

Nature of Work: The purpose of this position is to assist in the protection of the listed shorebird species Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Least Tern (Sternula antillarum). Employee will perform biological field work for the Endangered Species Program, a subset of the Coastal Ecology Program. At the beginning of the season the employee will help to install necessary fencing and barriers. During the season they will assist with the daily collection of behavioral and location data for nesting Piping Plover and Least Terns and collect additional data according to provided protocols for Duxbury Beach Reservations Certificate of Inclusion Permit. Data collection includes but is not limited to: predator observations, visitor statistics, Piping Plover road crossings, Least Tern colony and nursery observations, barrier use, etc. They will interact with the public to provide information and answer questions as necessary and communicate beach rules and regulations in a polite and professional manner. As needed they will assist in implementing temporary road and parking lot closures due to plover brood crossing activity. They will work closely with and communicate daily with other Duxbury Beach Reservation staff and the Town of Duxbury Beach Operation Rangers.  

Responsibilities and Duties: The responsibilities and duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Biological Field Work:

• Conduct nest searching and monitoring for listed species
• Assist the Field Coordinator and other Duxbury Beach Reservation staff in identifying vulnerable nesting sites
• Behavioral observations of Piping Plover pairs, broods, and Least Tern chicks
• Conduct Least Tern colony and chick surveys
• Assist Shorebird Monitors in locating plover broods and tern chicks.
• Identify shorebirds of the Eastern U.S.
• Collect data of predator usage on the beach through observations of sightings, tracks, and signs
• Perform functions related to the DBR Certificate of Inclusion under the MA Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plovers and Least Terns including implementing road closures, installing and maintaining fencing and barriers, and public outreach

Data Collection:

• Use ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123 and other ArcGIS applications to record biological and other data
• Assist in management of collected seasonal data including abundance, productivity, and behavioral data
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and assist the Field Coordinator with summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities
• Uphold high standards of data collection
• Review and proof data throughout the season as time allows
• Provide feedback and clarification on field data

Communication:

• Submit daily updates on Piping Plover and Least Terns via email, slack, or phone call to the Field Coordinator and other Duxbury Beach Reservation Staff
• Collaborate with Monitor Supervisors to ensure adequate Shorebird Monitor coverage
• Communicate observations of enforcement issues directly to the Town of Duxbury Beach Operation Rangers through Slack
• Communicate with Duxbury Beach Reservation staff, Town of Duxbury staff, and public regarding  vehicle, pedestrian, and/or dog closure areas on Duxbury Beach
• Accomplish wildlife and education objectives of the Endangered Species Program

Supervisory and Administrative Tasks: 

• Assist in initial training of Shorebird Monitors
• Provide additional mentorship to Shorebird Monitors
• Attend meetings and trainings scheduled by the  Field Coordinator
• Understand and abide by Duxbury Beach Rules & Regulations, the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover Certificate of Inclusion, and the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan
• Carry out related duties as required

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Applicants with a B.S. or B.A. or higher in wildlife biology/management or related field, or equivalent work experience, are strongly preferred; A minimum of one-year professional experience in avian monitoring or similar field
• An interest and willingness to learn and understand the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, Massachusetts Barrier Beach guidelines, and Federal Barrier Beach guidelines.
• An interest and willingness to learn about the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan
• Experience with behavioral data collection, wildlife tracking, and coastal wildlife management issues
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 preferred but not necessary
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinate employees, the public, and ability to carry out specific tasks as assigned by the Field Coordinator
• Must be able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 60lbs 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 protective clothing such as coats, hats, sunglasses, boots, etc.
• Be able to actively patrol and survey for avian activity standing up for long hours
• Field Technicians 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.
• Field Technicians will be required to provide their own binoculars
• Must have US work authorization

Additional tasks may be assigned (depending on need and availability) that are related, but not limited, to; vegetation sampling, invasive plant removal, avian composition surveys, dune monitoring, etc. 

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 and distinguishing between different types of bird calls. Ability to use hands and fingers to calibrate and use field equipment such as binoculars and tablets. 

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the  Duxbury Beach Reservation’s Endangered Species Program Field Coordinator.