Seasonal Shorebird Technician - The Trustees of Reservations

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: $16.50-$19.00/hour

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited Term, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April 2025–August 2025

Location: Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Crane Beach is an exemplary example of a barrier beach and is one of the few remaining barrier beaches in New England where the near absence of human infrastructure has left the landscape wild and largely unimpeded. As a result, it provides critical habitat for wildlife and is a popular outdoor recreation destination. Crane Beach is among the world’s most important nesting sites for threatened piping plovers and is part of the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern which has been designated a globally important site for migratory shorebirds by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The Shorebird Technician is part of a team responsible for barrier beach protection and management. 

 The Role: 

As a Shorebird Technician, you will assist with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds at Crane Beach, a 1,200-acre barrier beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform daily monitoring and management activities for breeding piping plovers and least-terns, including nest location, nest protection, and chick monitoring following established protocols. 

• Assist with daily reports on the breeding status and location of nesting shorebirds and communicate with the Coastal Ecologist and property management staff to ensure the successful implementation of our barrier beach protection program. 

• Install, maintain, and remove symbolic fencing and signage used to protect breeding and migratory shorebirds. 

• Assist with targeted predator management and monitoring efforts. 

• Assist in compilation of data for state piping plover and least-tern census and end-of-season reporting. 

• Public interaction with beachgoers about shorebird and barrier beach ecology. 

• Assist with the collection of migratory shorebird abundance and distribution data. 

• Support property staff on matters pertaining to coastal ecology (i.e. injured and washed-up wildlife)  

• Other tasks and duties may include but not limited to: inland rare species monitoring, deer browse impact surveys, and other bird species surveys. 

This is a limited-term, nonexempt 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, or related experience. 

• The ability to identify birds. 

• At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be shorebird experience). 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• The ability to work independently and closely with other staff 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 long distances on the beach.  

• The ability to lift/carry 40 pounds.  

• The ability to work weekends and irregular hours. 

• Preferred: 

• Beach-nesting shorebirds and identifying them by sight and sound. 

• Biological data collection and data management. 

• Wildlife tracking. 

• Working in coastal environments and have awareness of threats to beach-nesting birds (e.g., predation, dogs, and human disturbance). 

• Operating off-road vehicles and handheld radios. 

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. 

• 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 people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  
• 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 people@thetrustees.org.