Senior Field Technician (Diamondback Terrapins)

Essential Job Functions

The Diamondback Terrapin Senior Field Technician assists with targeted inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the state-threatened diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) and assists with outreach to landowners and terrapin survey volunteers. The Diamondback Terrapin Senior Field Technician will work as part of a Buzzards Bay Terrapin Conservation Field Team composed of personnel form both MassWildlife and Zoo New England and will be under the guidance and leadership, on a day to day basis, of senior MassWildlife personnel.  The Diamondback Terrapin Senior Field Technician supports inventory, research, and conservation initiatives with a specific emphasis on Buzzards Bay and the “South Coast” region of Bristol and Plymouth counties, Massachusetts. Further, the Diamondback Terrapin Field Technician works to complement a Regional Conservation Needs (RCN)-funded initiative throughout the Northeastern States. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted and standardized field surveys of diamondback terrapin in Bristol and Plymouth counties, Massachusetts, including land and kayak-based visual encounter surveys, nest site surveys, and mark-recapture surveys.
• Compile field data from terrapin inventories, road surveys, and population assessments, and management actions in Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and other platforms.
• Enter terrapin and other rare species data into the Commonwealth’s “Heritage Hub” reporting system and assist key partners with data management to facilitate inclusion in the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage database.
• Conduct field-based habitat assessments of terrapin habitat to identify management needs and site conditions.
• Maintain and build relationships with landowners and volunteers and conduct targeted education and outreach to key constituent groups.
• Participate in a Northeastern Terrapin Working Group developing and testing standardized survey protocols from Massachusetts to Virginia.
• Assist as needed with the transport, care, placement, and/or monitoring of injured or confiscated terrapins.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hours, Location and Term of Appointment

Hours: Usually 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday but these will vary depending on tidal and other environmental and logistic considerations.

Location: Our Field Conservation Department office is in Acton, MA, but the Diamondback Terrapin Field Technician will mostly work at field sites in and around Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Term: 4 part-time weeks (10 hours/week) from March 10th, 2025 to April 7th, 2025 then 20 full-time weeks for a total of 840 hours with an anticipated start date of April 7, 2025 and an anticipated ending date of August 22, 2025.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of animals including reptiles, fish and invertebrates, and with possible direct handling of large snapping turtles and other potentially injurious wildlife, as well as exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and other biting arthropods.
• Frequent field work in difficult natural conditions, including the use of kayaks and other small craft in tidal streams and estuaries.
• Frequent exposure to varying and challenging weather conditions (e.g. heat, rain, direct sun), and allergens.
• Frequent need to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and lift.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Direct experience with ecological field survey techniques including at least one season of fieldwork with wild animals (preferably aquatic turtles)
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel, Google Earth, and preferably ArcGIS
• Proficiency with backcountry navigation, small boats (e.g., kayaks) and GPS.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout southeastern Massachusetts and to work independently in the field under adverse conditions, including mosquitoes and biting flies.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse communities and partners.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts and transport field materials and equipment in personal vehicle.
• Must have no criminal history, convictions, in relation to animal-related issues or child welfare.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Field experience with Diamondbacked Terrapins or other turtles or New England.
• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, fisheries, forestry, or a related biological or natural resources discipline. 

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Salary : $30