Description

Position Title: Assistant Field Coordinator
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt (not benefit eligible)
Department: Coastal Ecology Program (CEP)
Salary Range: 19.00-19.50/hour
Location: Duxbury Beach
Hours: Variable part to full time (16-24 hr/wk Jan-Apr and Aug-Sept; 40 hr/wk April - July)
Schedule: January to September; including weekends, early mornings, evenings & holidays

About the Organization: The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, owns 4.5 miles of Duxbury Beach, a 7.5-mile long barrier beach that extends from Marshfield to Gurnet Point. The Reservation’s mission is to protect the beach structure, preserve its ecological resources, and maintain recreational access. 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 management of the Endangered Species Program. The Assistant Field Coordinator will help in various aspects of the Endangered Species Program, working closely with the Field Coordinator to manage the day-to-day implementation of the nesting species protection program. In addition, the Assistant Field Coordinator will help in supervising Field Technicians and Shorebird Monitor Supervisors and training field staff. The assistant will also help with various administrative tasks throughout the season, including but not limited to scheduling field staff, assisting with weekly reporting, data oversight, data QA/QC, etc. They will help to implement Duxbury Beach’s Certificate of Inclusion through on-the-ground management of field staff and ensuring proper coverage and communication for the implementation of covered activities. They will perform field work for the Nesting Species Program collecting biological data according to provided protocols. Data collection includes but is not limited to: predator observations, visitor statistics, Piping Plover road crossings, Least Tern colony and nursery observations, barrier use, etc. They will assist Shorebird Monitor Supervisors in providing oversight and supervision for shorebird monitors, filling in for supervisors when necessary and providing direction and mentorship to shorebird monitors. They will interact with the public to provide information and answer questions as necessary and communicate beach rules and regulations in a polite and professional manner. As needed they will assist in implementing temporary road closures due to plover brood crossing activity. They will work closely with and communicate daily with other Duxbury Beach Reservation staff and the Town of Duxbury Beach Operation Rangers.  

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

• Conduct nest searching and monitoring for listed species, Piping Plovers and Least Terns
• Record behavioral observations of Piping Plover and Least Tern pairs, broods, and chicks
• Assist Shorebird Monitors in locating plover broods and tern chicks
• Identify shorebirds of the Eastern U.S.
• Collect predator data through observations of sightings, tracks, and signs
• Perform functions related to the DBR Certificate of Inclusion under the MA Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plovers and Least Terns including implementing road closures, installing and maintaining fencing and barriers, and public outreach

Data Collection:

• Use ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123 to record biological and other data
• Assist in data management and oversight
• Compile data for state plover, tern, and oystercatcher census forms and assist the Field Coordinator with summary reports on results and management activities
• Uphold high standards of data collection
• Review and proof data throughout the season
• Provide feedback and clarification on field data for field staff

Communication:

• Submit daily updates on Piping Plover and Least Terns slack to the Field Coordinator and other Duxbury Beach Reservation Staff
• Collaborate with Monitor Supervisors to ensure adequate Shorebird Monitor coverage
• Communicate observations of enforcement issues directly to the Town of Duxbury Beach Operation Rangers through Slack
• Communicate with Duxbury Beach Reservation staff, Town of Duxbury staff, and public regarding  vehicle, pedestrian, and/or dog closure areas on Duxbury Beach
• Communicate with beachgoers about rules and regulations, nesting species ecology, recreational access, etc.

Supervisory and Administrative Tasks: 

• Assist in training Nesting Species seasonal staff
• Assist with interviewing and hiring Shorebird Monitors
• Provide mentorship to Shorebird Monitors throughout the season
• Attend weekly meetings with Field Coordinator and Reservation Coordinator
• Assist in providing ongoing training throughout the season
• Provide supervisory coverage in coordination with the Field Coordinator
• Ensure proper data collection for covered activities required as part of Duxbury Beach’s Certificate of Inclusion
• Assist Field Coordinator in providing performance related feedback for seasonal staff
• 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 additional administrative duties as required

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Duxbury Beach Reservation’s Endangered Species Program Field Coordinator with general oversight from the Reservation Coordinator.

Please submit your application including resume and cover letter at https://duxburybeach.bamboohr.com/careers/37.

Requirements

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 three-years professional experience in avian monitoring or similar field
• An interest and willingness to learn and understand the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, Massachusetts Barrier Beach guidelines, and Federal Barrier Beach guidelines
• An interest and willingness to learn about the Duxbury Beach Management & Habitat Conservation Plan
• Experience with behavioral data collection, wildlife tracking, and coastal wildlife management issues
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 preferred but not necessary
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinate employees, the public, and ability to carry out specific tasks as assigned by the Field Coordinator
• 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.
• Be able to actively patrol and survey for avian activity standing up for long hours
• The Assistant Field Coordinator 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
• The Assistant Field Coordinator will be required to provide their own binoculars

Additional tasks may be assigned (depending on need and availability) that are related, but not limited, to: vegetation sampling, invasive plant removal, avian composition surveys, dune monitoring, etc.

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, the ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors and shapes, and the ability to read pertinent documents. 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.