Job Announcement
Jo
NANTUCKET CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, INC.
Job Announcement
Job Title: Seasonal Wildlife Field Assistant (6 months)
Job Description:The Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc.
(www.nantucketconservation.org), Department of Science and Stewardship is
seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant wildlife field assistant to
participate in several wildlife monitoring and conservation projects within
Nantucket’s rare native ecosystems. This position is field-based and offers the
opportunity to gain experience in rare species conservation, land management
research and applied ecological monitoring. While this position has a strong
wildlife focus, considerable time will also be spent monitoring the response of
vegetation communities and rare plant species populations to management
techniques. Successful candidates may also have the opportunity to work on an
independent project that complements the research focus of the Nantucket
Conservation Foundation.
Responsibilities: The Wildlife Field Assistant will be involved in a variety of
projects throughout the field season including:
1. Monitoring and protecting populations and documenting nest
success of
shorebirds including American Oystercatchers, Least Terns and Piping
Plovers;
2. Trapping and searching for spotted turtles to collect blood
samples for
genetic analysis;
3. Monitoring relative populations numbers and documenting dietary
preferences of feral cats;
4. Horseshoe crab population monitoring and tagging;
5. Vegetation community monitoring in areas managed with tidal
flow
reintroduction, prescribed fire, brush-cutting, sheep grazing, shrub
removal, and/or deer exclosures;
6. Monitoring of rare plant and animal species of conservation
concern;
7. Inventory, monitoring, and removal of invasive plant species;
8. Assisting in greenhouse-based projects related to propagating
native
species and research on invasive species.
9. Co-leading interpretive walks for Conservation Foundation
members;
10. Data entry, quality control, proof-reading, and possible data
analysis;
11. Assisting with periodic sheep flock movement and maintenance;
Qualifications:B.S. or B.A. in Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource Management,
Wildlife Biology, or a related biological/ecological field. Preference will be
given to candidates with at least one season of field work experience. Strong
observational, critical thinking and organizational skills are essential, as is
the ability to accurately record field notes and collect data. Experience with
wildlife monitoring and management techniques is preferred and high
consideration will be given to candidates with experience in shorebird
monitoring. Applicants should have experience with GIS/GPS use and data entry.
A
familiarity with and/or willingness to learn and participate in plant
identification and vegetation community monitoring is required. Individuals
must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team, and be able
to tolerate occasional adverse field conditions. A valid driver’s license is
required.
Dates/Hours:This is a full-time, temporary position beginning in mid-April and
ending in mid-October; exact dates can be flexible. Hours are generally Monday
through Friday, averaging eight hours per day, although work schedule may vary
depending on weather, tides, etc.
Wages/Benefits:Housing and work-related transportation is provided. Wage is
commensurate with experience. Medical and unemployment insurance, paid
holidays,
and paid sick days are not available to seasonal employees. Transportation is
not provided after working hours.
Location: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is located on Nantucket
Island,
MA (www.nantucket.net), ~ 33 miles south of Cape Cod. Nantucket is dominated
by
sandplain grasslands, coastal healthlands, and scrub oak shrublands (all rare
habitats in the Northeast) as well as coastal plain ponds and tidal marshes.
For
more information on our mission and research projects, please see the
Foundation’s website (www.nantucketconservation.org).
Application: Application deadline is February 15, 2011. Please submit one
document containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
professional references, along with a copy of your college transcripts via
email
to:
Dr. Jennifer M. Karberg
[email protected]
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is an equal opportunity employer
