Lead Shorebird Technician

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $19-$20/hour

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited Term, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April 20, 2025-August 20, 2025 (17 weeks) 

Location: Cape Poge, Wasque Reservation, and Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown, MA

What You'll Do:

Your Impact: 

Join our dedicated team working to protect and manage shorebird populations across four stunning properties on Martha’s Vineyard: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Leland Beach, Wasque Reservation, and Long Point Wildlife Refuge. 

Cape Poge, Leland, and Wasque form a breathtaking, ten-mile barrier beach system on Chappaquiddick, a small island just a quick ferry ride from the main island. Long Point Wildlife Refuge, located on the south shore of the main island, combines sweeping upland vistas with pristine coastal habitats. These idyllic and diverse beaches not only showcase some of the island’s most iconic landscapes but also serve as vital habitats for any array of threatened species. As a part of our team, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our nesting shorebirds and make a tangible difference in preserving these special ecosystems. 

The Role: 

As the Lead Shorebird Technician, you will help lead a team tasked with monitoring and managing several species of beach-nesting birds on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform daily monitoring, management, and data collection activities for all focal species including breeding piping plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, and several species of tern.  
• Ensure data is accurate, organized, and up to date.  
• Install, maintain, and remove symbolic shorebird fencing and signage. 
• Assist with targeted predator control and monitoring efforts. 
• Conduct post-breeding migratory shorebird surveys. 
• Compose weekly reports on the status of beach nesting birds and beach access to be distributed organization wide.   
• Compile and report productivity data for state piping plover, American oystercatcher, and tern and complete an end of season internal shorebird report.   
• Regularly communicate with the Coastal Ecologist, other shorebird technicians, and beach management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our shorebird protection program.  
• Help the Coastal Ecologist train and supervise seasonal shorebird technicians 
• Occasionally interact and educate visitors about shorebird and barrier beach ecology.

This is a limited term, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Southeast Coastal Ecologist.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• Required: 
• Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, ornithology, or related experience.  
• The ability to identify birds by sight and sound.   
• At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be shorebird-related experience).  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• The ability to work independently and closely with other staff and the public. 
• The ability to work outdoors daily.  
• 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, holidays, and occasional irregular hours. 
• Preferred: 
• Familiarity with beach-nesting shorebirds. 
• Biological data collection and data management experience. 
• Wildlife tracking experience. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.  

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Have questions? Contact our People team at [email protected]!

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.