Conservation Science Fellow
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 www.massaudubon.org.
About this Position
Mass Audubon is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization and to providing greater access to nature for everyone. Part of this work requires us to address the historic inequities within the environmental and conservation fields, which is why the Environmental Fellowship Program for Early Careers (EFP) was created. The EFP is a unique program designed to increase pathways into environmental professions for people whose identities have been historically underrepresented. Each 14-month fellowship is hosted within one of five departments: Land Conservation, Conservation Science, Policy and Advocacy, Marketing and Communications, or Environmental Education. Our fellows will have the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time while working alongside a passionate and dedicated team of professionals. In addition to professional experience, the fellows are given opportunities for networking, mentoring, and skill development within a supportive cohort model.
Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda is a five-year plan to address the rapid loss of wildlife habitat, inequitable access to nature, and the threat of climate change. Conservation Science is a key component of our success, working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the organization to protect, restore, and steward land for wildlife and for people. The Conservation Science Fellow will be part of our Conservation Science Team, based out of Mass Audubon Headquarters in Lincoln, MA. The Conservation Science Fellow is committed to protecting the nature of Massachusetts through inventorying and monitoring projects to support sound ecological management actions.
In addition to including a cover letter and resume, please complete the Conservation Science Fellow Questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/r/Ra2T7ycmWD. A complete application includes a cover letter, resume, and submitted questionnaire. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
Responsibilities
The Conservation Science Fellow engages with their supervisors to develop and carry out capacity building projects. Activities mostly revolve around evaluating, planning, organizing, and streamlining inventorying and monitoring projects. Some of the tasks related to the projects will require spending time in the office and in the field and will involve interacting with the public and working with volunteers and staff of different departments. A major component of the work will involve Landscape, a newly adopted land management database. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in the migration of data (i.e., inventorying and monitoring) into the Landscape database, a land conservation software that will house all Mass Audubon land related information
- Assist in the creation of new forms and reports in Landscape database
- Create training protocols and videos for staff onboarding in Landscape database
- Help create documentation for Landscape database
- Evaluate and propose changes and improvements to our amphibian monitoring programs (coverboard and vernal pool surveys) for the wildlife sanctuaries, which includes:
- Perform a literature review of the latest amphibian research
- Develop online workshops and training materials for staff
- Coordinate results reporting
- Develop a standardized system for disseminating annual summary materials of results and the contributions of volunteers and staff.
- Evaluate and streamline other ongoing Inventory and Monitoring Projects (i.e., odonate, ants, vegetation surveys) and their use by sanctuary staff and volunteers
- Promote the use of community science tools to inventory biodiversity
- Assist the Conservation Ecologist and Coastal Restoration Ecologist in implementing new and ongoing monitoring and restoration management practices
- Assist in data collection including vegetation survey for coastal resilience projects
- Additional fieldwork tasks as needed
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 obtained a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the fellowship. Degrees or fields of study especially suitable for this work include: Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and sustainability, or a related field
- A commitment to practicing conservation through a lens of equity, inclusion, and access
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- Training and experience pertinent to the projects listed above
- Experience educating community members and volunteers
- Experience with natural systems and identifying plant and wildlife species
- Ability to navigate independently in the field utilizing map, compass, and GPS units
- Experience with database design and management
- Experience with ArcGIS mapping software and database design/management
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s base salary range is $50,000 - $55,000; 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 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).
Work Schedule
Full-time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday.
This position is a hybrid position with opportunities to work in-person and remotely.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
COVID-19 Considerations
Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.
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.