Ecological Stewardship Technician

Organization Overview

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline on Nantucket Island, MA, conserves the island’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. NCF shares its environmental expertise with the wider community and provides educational and recreational opportunities to encourage respectful enjoyment and appreciation of its properties. For more information on NCF, its mission and current research projects, please see the Foundation’s website www.nantucketconservation.org.

Position Summary

The Ecological Stewardship Technician oversees and provides year-round logistical support for applied projects undertaken on NCF-owned properties and associated waterbodies aimed at inventorying, monitoring, and managing species, habitats, and other natural resources of conservation concern. Overseen by staff of the Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration, they are responsible for the implementing, documenting, and reporting of ongoing and new projects related to responsible land stewardship and habitat restoration. They oversee and provide logistical support for hired consultants engaged to work on such projects and ensure that all associated environmental permitting and reporting is obtained and completed as required. As needed, they assist in implementing stewardship projects undertaken by NCF’s Land Management Department. This is a multi-faceted, hands-on position that is primarily field-based during the spring, summer and fall and more office-based during the winter season. Coordination with multiple staff across departments is required and there is opportunity for future growth and responsibility.

Position Responsibilities

The Stewardship Technician is responsible for overseeing and implementing field work related to many diverse ecological management projects, including:

- Invasive species monitoring and management using established protocols (herbicide treatment - requiring MA commercial pesticide applicator license - hand digging, pulling, etc.), including coordination with other conservation partners on collaborative projects.

- Freshwater pond monitoring and reporting for harmful algae blooms and water quality improvement/nutrient reduction management.

- Habitat restoration and stewardship work in various terrestrial vegetation communities (grasslands, shrublands, forests, etc.) with associated management response monitoring.

- Supporting and overseeing hired environmental consultants engaged to accomplish specific projects (forest management, invasive species management, pond water quality management, etc.) on NCF properties and/or required related permitting.

- Collecting diverse types of data for assigned projects using a GPS unit; maintaining and updating NCF’s ArcGIS database; creating maps in ArcGIS and/or Google Earth.

- Assisting with native plant species propagation, out-planting, and seed collection as needed.

- Assisting with other wildlife, plant, and coastal ecology related projects as needed.

- Assisting in field work on other stewardship and land management projects as needed.

- Participating in and assisting with research projects conducted by outside investigators working on NCF properties and collaborative projects with partner organizations as needed. 

Additional office-based and organization-wide responsibilities include:

- Overseeing all environmental permitting maintenance requirements and reporting.

- Overseeing data entry and quality control for assigned projects and assisting with other projects as needed.

- Assisting in the development of habitat management plans.

- Collaborating in development and planning for projects that further the goals of the Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration Department.

- Participating in NCF’s interpretive education programs related to assigned projects to promote NCF’s mission, strategic priorities, and conservation programs.

- Assisting with other NCF outreach and fundraising events as needed.

- Contributing content on assigned projects to NCF’s newsletters, social media, etc. as appropriate.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, botany, or a related subject and several years of relevant work experience.

- Proficiency with ArcGIS (ArcMap and ArcPro) and experience with database management, map making, and the use of GPS units to navigate and collect data in the field. 

- Familiarity with plant and wildlife identification. 

- Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail. 

- Must be teamwork oriented and capable of working with numerous colleagues to efficiently execute projects.

- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and schedule multiple projects. 

- Current Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License, or willingness to acquire.

- Familiarity with (or willingness to learn) Massachusetts environmental regulations and related agencies (Conservation Commission, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, DEP, etc.). 

- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

- Valid driver’s license with experience driving SUVs and pickup trucks required.

- Mechanical skills and proficiency with small manual and motorized tools desirable.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This is a field work intensive position and applicants must be able to tolerate adverse field conditions. Field work includes the possibility for inclement weather and variable terrain, poison ivy and biting insects (mosquitoes, deer ticks). Nantucket is an area with a high incidence of tick-borne disease so precautions to minimize risk are encouraged. The work involves hiking, standing, bending, kneeling, and hauling field gear on a regular basis.

Dates/Hours

This is a full-time, year-round position. Hours are generally 40 hours a week with some variability: early-morning or evening field work may be required depending on project, weather, tides, etc. and weekend work may be required for certain field projects and non-profit events.

Start Date

Preferred start date is mid- to late July 2024, with some flexibility.

Benefits

Wage commensurate with experience and ranges from $23-25 per hour based on a 40-hour work week. Housing is provided in a shared, employee house. Work-related transportation is provided during working hours.

TO APPLY:

Application deadline is Friday, June 14, 2024 by 5pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so applicants are encouraged to submit materials early. Completed application should include a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references and an unofficial copy of your college transcripts. Please combine all these documents in to ONE PDF file and submit via Workable at: https://apply.workable.com/nantucket-conservation-foundation/j/9A54863AE2/