Lead Field Technician - Great Marsh

Job Description

Job Description

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
This position co-leads a team of twelve technicians in the spring to restore resiliency within salt marsh habitats on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Lead Field Technicians will work with the Monitoring Coordinator and Wetland Restoration Coordinator on weekly and daily work planning and implementation. In addition, this position provides regular updates on progress and escalate critical issues to the Coordinators as needed. Duties will include but are not limited to:

1) restoring salt marsh hydrology at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (PRNWR);

2) supervising and directing restoration technicians to ensure efficient time and task management; and

3) ensuring the collection of monitoring data and utilizing mobile-based software.

Lead Field Technicians will also participate in additional efforts on the PRNWR and Mass Audubon properties to support coastal resilience and restoration projects, represent both agencies with allied organizations, and assist with related data management and reporting.

Interviews will begin in July for this position; final offers will be dependent on funding.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Wetland Restoration Coordinator and Monitoring Coordinator to co-lead technician team and help delegate tasks to implement salt marsh restoration
• Use walk-behind agricultural tractors and hand tools to cut and place hay in selected ditches to accelerate healing process; in some cases, shallow trenches (runnels) will also be excavated by hand and/or machine
• Create and communicate daily and weekly plans with the Coordinators and technicians; report issues or needs immediately, and keep appropriate staff informed of progress. This includes but is not limited to: daily start times, monitoring field conditions, in field decision making and implementation, keeping track of equipment and supplies
• Thoroughly ensure pre-established monitoring protocols are followed, and all required data is collected using Field Maps and ArcGIS Online
• Train, delegate, and assist volunteer groups
• Assist in other targeted habitat management and coastal resilience projects on Mass Audubon property, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations in the Great Marsh
• Communicate with the public the work and goals of the project and allay potential concerns about the presence of the team and their work; be an ambassador for Mass Audubon’s mission
• Assist partners with projects happening throughout the Great Marsh to further gain field experience and assist with outreach related to saltmarsh restoration and/or habitat restoration

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

• At least 18 years of age
• Experience working in salt marshes and/or working in restoration
• Work experience or formal education in ecology, coastal geology, hydrology, marine biology, biogeochemistry, botany, natural resource management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position; or a combination of relevant education and appropriate experience
• A strong work ethic and interpersonal skills; works well independently and on a team
• Willing to work occasional weekends for volunteer and outreach events.
• Good sense of personal dynamics in a team of coworkers and ability to set tone and model positive attitude and problem-solving
• Ability to interact with project partners and the public in a professional manner
• Ability to work productively with others while abiding by Mass Audubon policy for maintaining public health
• Enthusiastic about physical work to achieve conservation management outcomes and be physically able to lift 50 lbs., pull heavy sleds over long, uneven surfaces, and repeated bending and lifting
• Ability to work in difficult weather conditions (strong wind, rain, extreme temperatures) while maintaining appropriate safety protocols
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation to various field work sites
• Ability to use technology on a mobile device or tablet

Nice to Haves

• Previous leadership experience
• Experience implementing salt marsh restoration techniques known as Ditch Remediation and Runneling
• Salt marsh and invasive plant identification skills
• First aid and CPR training
• Experience using ArcGIS Field Maps App
• Public outreach experience
• Field work experience in hydrology, geomorphology, and bird ID skills

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $23.50-$24.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.

Work Schedule
This position starts on August 17, 2026, and ends on November 20, 2026. Full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Exact start and end dates are tentative and based on weather and field conditions; Start and end times and length of workdays are due to change based on work needs and tide schedule. A typical workday is 7:00am-3:30pm.

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.