Conservation Ranger

The Town of Edgartown is recruiting Conservation Rangers for the 2025 Norton Point season. Under the direction of the Conservation Agent, Conservation Rangers are responsible for protected species monitoring and public education on Norton Point Beach. This is a 40 hour per week opportunity from April 21 to September 1. PLEASE NOTE: Position openings are contingent upon an affirmative vote at the Special Town Meeting on April 8, 2025.

s are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the Human Resource Office. The Town of Edgartown is an equal opportunity employer. Positions are open until filled.

Town of Edgartown | Conservation Commission

Conservation Ranger

DEFINITION

Position performs administrative and technical work related to the management of the Coastal Waterbird Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or 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 a logical assignment to the position.

• Accomplish the wildlife management and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program;

• Assist in the management of databases including abundance, productivity, and behavioral data;

• Utilize NestStory app for data collection;

• Compile data for State Plover, Tern, and Oystercatcher Census Forms;

• Interact with beachgoers to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology;

• Deliver informal coastal waterbird education and outreach to beachgoers, community groups, partners, etc.;

• Collect biological data on nesting, foraging, and migrating species of coastal waterbirds including abundance and distribution of target species;

• Assist in compilation of data for State Plover, Tern, and Oystercatcher Census Forms;

• Write summary reports for specific sites on results and management activities;

• Ensure that beachgoers do not land in closed areas and that they remain outside of symbolic fencing for nesting shorebirds;

• Assist Beach Director and Rangers in day-to-day operations with focus on Conservation and Coastal Waterbirds, as needed;

• Performs a variety of related duties.

  
  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general direction, employee assists with plans and prioritizes the majority of routine day-to-day operations. The employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly, Works under the administrative direction of the Conservation Agent and Conservation Assistant in accordance with established town policies and applicable state laws and regulations.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Consequences of errors, missed deadlines, or poor judgment could result in excessive costs, delay in service delivery, legal repercussions, threaten the safety of the environment, natural resources, and cause adverse public relations and opinions.

JUDGMENT

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations involving frequent explanation, discussion of practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines in order to coordinate work efforts, or assisting superiors and managing partners in the resolution of operating problems. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative, or uninformed persons.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Incumbent has access to departmental level sensitive and confidential information.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED, with supervisory experience. Knowledge of wildlife management and/or biology. Behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, knowledge of coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have basic knowledge of all applicable state and local regulations, guidelines, and recommendations, and/or to be able to defer to supervisors or other departments or organizations assisting in beach management operations.

Must have the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Must be able to operate office equipment; work effectively with the public and town departments.

Must have the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; manage programs and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is frequently performed outdoors, with exposure to various weather conditions. Administrative tasks are conducted in an office. Incumbent may be required to work beyond normal business hours and/or on weekends during cyclic periods. May be called out for emergencies.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills: The work involves sitting, standing, walking, and stooping. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds. When in the field, it is required to traverse various topographies.

Motor Skills: Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.