Conservation Ecologist I

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
The Conservation Ecologist I supports the development of sanctuary-specific Ecological Management Reports (EMRs). This position also supports active management and monitoring projects, including ecological restoration, habitat creation/maintenance, and resource inventory and mapping. The Conservation Ecologist I performs research-related tasks, including literature reviews, computer data analysis including GIS, and field work and communicates findings and analysis in writing and through presentations to colleagues, landowners, foresters, and the public. Cooperation with other Mass Audubon staff, including regional directors, educators, and property managers, is integral to this role.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Support ecological management/restoration projects involving permitting, natural resource inventory/habitat assessment, and technical reporting
• Collaborate with Conservation Ecologists and other staff to develop and implement sanctuary-based ecological management plans
• Contribute to Ecological Management Reports describing sanctuary ecological context and conservation assets, threats and vulnerabilities related to those assets, and prioritized management and monitoring tasks to protect and enhance conservation values
• Support stewardship activities, including invasive management, herbicide licensing, and reporting, property staff training, field crew supervision, and shared staff work days
• Collaborate in sanctuary monitoring, a field-based effort including staff, volunteer, and contractor elements
• Assist in the management of relevant aspects of project budgets and contracts
• Pursue relevant training, remain current in aspects of conservation and stewardship, and contribute scientific expertise to research and management projects being pursued by the Conservation Science 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 Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, or other natural resource-related field
• At least one year’s experience in ecological management and/or policy
• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts and New England ecosystems, climate change impacts, and conservation and management issues
• General knowledge of northeastern United States flora, fauna, and natural communities
• Excellent communication (written and oral) skills
• Ability to communicate scientific knowledge to lay people
• Good organizational and management skills, including staff and volunteer supervision
• Valid driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel throughout the state as needed
• Ability to walk/lead walks on rough terrain or trails
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice to Haves

• Ability to identify invasive plant and animal species and implement control measures
• Knowledge of safe and effective herbicide application techniques
• Hands-on experience in plant surveys and wildlife monitoring, including tracking and data collection
• Ability to create, update, and analyze GIS data for environmental and conservation projects
• Proficiency in managing and maintaining databases
• Experience with data entry, data analysis, and generating reports

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $62,328-$65,994 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. 

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full-time schedule of 40 hours, Monday-Friday. Work may require performing responsibilities on evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

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.