Loon Restoration Seasonal Wildlife Technician – Maine

Maine Audubon is seeking two Seasonal Wildlife Technicians for the Maine Loon Restoration Project in Falmouth, ME. Responsibilities include deploying nesting platforms, training volunteers, conducting site visits, maintaining databases, and conducting outreach. The role involves fieldwork across Southern and Central Maine and requires collaboration with local community scientists and partners. The position is seasonal and based primarily at Gilsland Farm.
• December 6, 2024
Employer: Maine Audubon

Location: Falmouth, Maine

Country: United States

Last Date to Apply: 01/10/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Maine Audubon is hiring two Seasonal Wildlife Technicians to join its dynamic team based in Falmouth, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Position Description: We are seeking Seasonal Wildlife Technicians to assist the Maine Loon Restoration Project. The Technicians report to the Coordinator of the Maine Loon Restoration Project and are responsible for working both independently and collaboratively with staff and partners to support groups of local community scientists on and off the water in implementing loon restoration actions. The positions are based at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, but involve weekly field work, ranging statewide but primarily in Southern and Central Maine.

Project Overview

The Maine Loon Restoration Project is a 5-year partnership among Maine Audubon, Maine Lakes, Lakes Environmental Association, Penobscot Nation, and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The main goals are to increase loon nesting success at low productivity sites through the use of artificial nesting platforms, signage, and public outreach, and decrease loon mortality by reducing the threat of lead poisoning from lead fishing tackle and deaths from boat strikes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Work with lake volunteers and project partners to re-deploy 84 loon nesting rafts and several dozen loon nesting signs using canoes, kayaks, or participants’ boats. Identify candidate sites for new nesting platforms and signage on approximately 15 lakes through data searches, participant interviews and on-site lake assessments. Coordinate all aspects of site visit preparation, raft and sign deployments, and follow up.

· Train local participants to monitor loon pair breeding success and survival at more than 200 targeted sites during the breeding season and submit survey data. Conduct site visits throughout the season to provide participants with feedback and additional training. Coordinate the deployment of approximately 20 game cameras at sites with rafts and nest signs and process photo capture data.

· Maintain the database and track information in Excel, Google Maps, Google Sheets, and Survey 1-2-3, including entering information after each field visit or volunteer interaction, and working with participants throughout the season to improve data collection and entry.

· Conduct informational webinars and in-person outreach for participants and the public. Maintain communication with participants and respond to inquiries in a timely manner through the project Facebook page, email, Zoom, site visits, and phone calls.

· Train and oversee an intern to assist with planning, field work, data entry, equipment maintenance, presentations and other duties, ensuring an educational and supportive work experience.

· Assist partners at Maine Lakes in recruiting and supporting volunteers interested in the Look Out for Loons Outreach Program and help distribute outreach materials.

· Help promote Fish Lead Free initiatives by helping volunteers organize and host lead tackle exchanges and post lead tackle collection bins.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.

· Effective, engaging, and diplomatic communicator both verbally and in writing.

· Excellent observational, time management, and organizational skills.

· Experience working with volunteers & achieving results through community science initiatives helpful.

· Experience working in the field, preferably with birds and/or on lakes. Knowledge of loon natural history, behaviors, and conservation efforts a plus.

· Experience with data collection and management using ArcGIS Survey 123 preferred.

· Experience presenting information and leading dialogues in-person or on Zoom.

· Able to work both independently and in collaborative team environments.

· Willing to travel daily to the Falmouth office and to remote sites multiple times per week.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and Google Suite.

· First Aid and CPR training helpful.

· Clean driving record for the last 5 years.

We encourage you to apply if you believe you would be a good fit for this position, even if you don’t meet all of the qualifications.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

· This position requires frequent statewide travel and long field days, as well as office work. Some overnight stays, weekend, and evening work are required.

· This position has physical demands including the ability to use standard tools and safely lift and carry equipment weighing 50 lbs. or more.

· Able and willing to work outdoors on or near lakes in all weather conditions.

· Able to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple complex tasks.

· Able to drive pickup trucks.

· Able to swim and paddle a kayak and canoe in variable conditions.

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

· The position is full-time from March 24th to the end of August.

· Pay Rate $18/hour.

· Benefits include Worker’s Comp, modest paid time off, and a 4% contribution to a retirement plan.

To apply: Please send resume and cover letter in a single document to conserve@maineaudubon.org, with “Loon Seasonal Wildlife Technician_[Your Last Name]” in the subject line. Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. The application period closes on January 10, 2025. The anticipated start date is March 24, 2025.

Maine Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other aspect of identity protected by applicable federal, state, or local law