Program: Coastal Ecology Program (CEP)             

Location: Duxbury Beach

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

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

Salary Range: $15.50 - $16.50 (based on qualifications)

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

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About the Organization: Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, owns  approximately 4 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. Duxbury Beach Reservation's mission is to preserve Duxbury Beach to safeguard adjacent bays and mainland, protect wildlife and vegetation while welcoming the public to enjoy. 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. Assist with the daily collection of  behavioral and location data for listed species. Collect data according to provided protocols on the following:  predator tracking, avian community composition, vegetation surveys etc. Interact with the public to provide  information and answer questions as necessary. Communicate beach rules and regulations to beachgoers in a polite  and professional manner.

 

Responsibilities and Duties: The responsibilities and duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the  various type 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: 

• Accomplish the wildlife and education objectives of the Endangered Species Program ∙ Nest searching and monitoring, including abundance and productivity of listed species ∙ Behavioral observations of pairs, broods, and chick nurseries  

• Assist Monitors in locating plover broods and tern chicks. Perform functions related to the DBR Certificate  of Inclusion under the MA Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plovers, including road closures, fencing  management, and public outreach 

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Data Collection and Communication: 

• Assist in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data; create  GIS/Google Earth maps of coastal resources 

• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and write summary reports for  specific sites on results and management activities 

• Submit daily updates via email, text message, or phone call to the Program Coordinator, other Duxbury  Beach Reservation Staff, and Town of Duxbury staff with observations and recommendations, including a  request for a face-to-face meeting if an issue needs to be resolved 

• Communicate with Duxbury Beach Reservation staff, Town of Duxbury staff, and public regarding motor  vehicle, pedestrian or dog closure areas on Duxbury Beach. Communicate issues to Town of Duxbury Beach Operations staff

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Supervisory and Administrative Tasks:  

• Assist in initial training of Shorebird Monitors (Monitors), collaborate with Monitors to ensure plover  monitor coverage and supervision, assist the Coastal Ecology Program Coordinator and other Duxbury  Beach Reservation staff in identifying vulnerable nesting sites and broods 

• Attend meetings and trainings scheduled by the Program Coordinator 

• Provide frequent performance related feedback, and conduct end of season performance evaluations

• 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 

• Thorough understanding of Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, Massachusetts Barrier Beach  guidelines and Federal Barrier Beach guidelines. Behavioral data collection and management skills, wildlife  tracking and coastal wildlife management issues 

• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinate employees, the public, and ability to carry  out specific tasks as assigned by the Program Coordinator required 

• An interest or willingness to learn about the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan

• 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. 

• 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

 

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, and the ability to adjust focus and distinguish  colors and shapes. Visual demands include reading documents and routinely reviewing non-written materials such  as instrumentation for analytical purposes. 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. 

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Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Program Coordinator under the general supervision of the Duxbury  Beach Reservation’s Assistant Director. Required to communicate routinely with other DBR staff and Town of  Duxbury Beach Operations staff. 

 

How to Apply: The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. To apply,  please fill out a job application by going to https://duxburybeach.bamboohr.com/jobs/. Your application will not  be processed without completion/receipt of the items above. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will begin in January. If you have any questions about the position or application process,  please email careers@duxburybeachreservation.org with “Field Technician 2022” in the subject line.

 

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. 

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