Seasonal Shorebird Technician (Nantucket)

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: $18.50-$20.50/hour 

A housing stipend is available for this position.

Hours per week: 40 hours 

Job Classification: Limited Term, Nonexempt 

Job Type: On-site 

Duration: April 2025–August 2025 (Dates can be flexible for the right candidate)

Location: Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, Nantucket, MA

What You'll Do:

Your Impact: 

Join our dedicated team working to protect and manage breeding shorebird populations on Nantucket Island’s Coskata- Coatue Wildlife Refuge. This 1,117-acre barrier beach system not only showcases some of the island’s most unique and iconic landscapes but also serves as a vital habitat for an array of imperiled species. You will 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 Shorebird Technician, you will protect, monitor, and manage several species of beach-nesting birds on Nantucket’s Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.    

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform daily monitoring, management, and data collection activities for all focal species including breeding piping plovers, American oystercatchers, 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 and beach management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our shorebird protection program.  

• Occasionally interact and educate visitors about shorebird and barrier beach ecology. 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 40 hours per week reporting directly to the 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.  

• Demonstrated ability to work independently. 

• The ability to work outdoors in nature 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