Field Technician - Invasive Plant Control

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking a Field Technician to help with a variety of ecological projects at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding marsh within the 20,000-acre Great Marsh in northeast Massachusetts. The Field Technician will be responsible for controlling invasive plants and conducting an innovative restoration project at the Parker River NWR and adjacent salt marshes. The technician will also assist with other Great Marsh-related community science, outreach, and field projects being implemented by Mass Audubon and USFWS.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Community Science & Coastal Resilience Manager and Great Marsh Restoration Coordinator to remove Perennial Pepperweed from coastal habitats
• Bag and remove plant material from sites and deliver to appropriate drop-off locations
• Keep track of the pre-treatment and post-treatment conditions at removal sites and add new sites as necessary on the GIS app Field Maps
• Communicate with the public upon incidental contact to inform them of the work and the goals of the project and allay potential concerns about the presence of the team and their work; be an ambassador for Mass Audubon’s mission
• Assist volunteer groups in participating in the project
• Assist in other targeted habitat management and coastal resilience projects on Mass Audubon property, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations in the Great Marsh
• Collaborate with other teams of educators and coastal resilience interns to be informed about and informative to the public about projects that intersect with the specific duties of the invasive plant control team

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• Must have a strong work ethic and interpersonal skills, work well independently, be in physical condition as needed for the requirements of this position, and be willing to work occasional weekends
• Ability to interact with project partners and the public in a professional manner
• Must be enthusiastic about physical work to achieve conservation management outcomes
• Ability to work in difficult weather conditions (strong wind, rain, extreme temperatures); while maintaining appropriate safety protocols
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and their own transportation to various field work sites

• Must be able to use ArcGIS Field Maps App on a personal cell phone

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $17.37-$19.54/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
This position begins on June 1 and ends on July 21, 2024. Hours for this position will be Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.