Seasonal Coastal Ecologist

The Trustees of Reservations; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a Seasonal Coastal Ecologist to support ecological restoration efforts in Ipswich, MA. Responsibilities include conducting bird surveys, assessing habitat quality, and supervising interns. Candidates should have a background in wildlife biology or related fields and experience in fieldwork. The position pays between $18.50 and $20.50 per hour, with a commitment of 40 hours per week from May to October. This role offers opportunities for hands-on experience in a crucial environmental setting.

Benefits

Housing may be available

40 hours of sick time upfront

Discounted admission to cultural institutions

Qualifications

• 3 months of previous field experience required.
• Ability to identify marsh birds and plants.
• Knowledge in biological data collection preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bird and mosquito surveys and document habitat quality.
• Collect data from salt marsh restoration efforts.
• Manage and supervise seasonal interns.

Skills

Field experience

Wildlife identification

Communication skills

Ability to work outdoors

Education

Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental science

Tools

GPS

ArcGIS

Job description

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.

Posting Information

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $18.50-$20.50/hour
• Housing: Housing may be available, but space is limited
• Hours per week: 40
• Job Classification: Limited-Term, Nonexempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration: May – October
• Location: The Great Marsh, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do

Your Impact:

As a Coastal Ecologist you will be part of the Natural Resources Team who is responsible for exemplary habitat protection and management statewide including 2,000 acres of salt marsh, 26 miles of barrier beach, an exemplary beach‑nesting shorebird program and more than 700 acres of barrens habitat. This will be an opportunity to learn about and participate in many of the modern stewardship challenges land managers face today, especially those being exacerbated by climate change.

The Role:

As a Seasonal Coastal Ecologist, you will assist with monitoring, research, and management activities associated with several large‑scale ecological restoration efforts in Eastern Massachusetts. The primary focus of the position includes collecting monitoring data at multiple locations in the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh ecosystem in New England and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern as part of an innovative partnership to restore resiliency and habitat to the Great Marsh. This position will also include monitoring for white‑tailed deer browse impacts on 15 properties as part of The Trustees program to reduce deer browse impacts and improve habitat resiliency on thousands of acres of protected land.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Conduct bird surveys to document habitat quality and use on 358 acres of salt marsh including:
  • Surveys of breeding birds with a focus on saltmarsh sparrows following established monitoring protocols (i.e., SHARP)
  • Monitoring tern foraging activity
  • Monitoring non‑breeding bird use within salt marsh restoration areas and coordinating volunteer participation as time allows
  • Documenting habitat characteristics for saltmarsh sparrow nest sites
• Collect data for breeding mosquitoes on 90 acres of salt marsh
• Collect data on salt marsh restoration projects including ditch remediation, runnels, nesting islands, and marsh pools
• Provide daily oversight for seasonal interns assisting with coastal habitat and species monitoring
• Analyze collected data for birds, mosquitoes, and salt marsh restoration, and complete annual reports
• Survey monitoring plots for deer browse at 15 forested properties throughout eastern Massachusetts
• Other tasks and duties as assigned related to the Coastal Ecology Program

This is a seasonal limited term, non‑exempt position working 40 hours/per week reporting directly to the Director of Coastal Ecology.

What You’ll Need

Skills and Experience

• Required:
  • At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be in salt marsh)
  • Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field
  • The ability to identify marsh feeding and breeding birds by sight and sound
  • The ability to identify plants
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • The ability to work alone in the field or remotely as well as with volunteers and the public
  • The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions
  • The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking up to several miles throughout a day
  • The ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds
  • The ability to occasionally work some weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (depending upon wildlife, weather, tides, and contractor availability)
  • Access to private transportation, mileage will be reimbursed
• Preferred experience:
  • Marsh‑nesting bird surveys
  • Biological data collection and management
  • GPS and ArcGIS mapping and navigation
  • Working with volunteers and/or citizen science programs

Please submit a cover letter detailing your previous 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. [if needed]
• 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 [e-mail]!

Your Benefits

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 40 hours upfront
• 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.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].