Seasonal Inland Ecology Technician

The Trustees of Reservations is seeking a Seasonal Inland Ecology Technician in Northampton, MA. This full-time, 14-week position involves monitoring rare plant populations, assessing invasive species, and supporting habitat management across various natural areas in Massachusetts. Candidates should have relevant coursework in ecology or environmental science and strong botanical skills. Transportation to job sites is required, and the role is focused on fieldwork rather than remote tasks.
Your Impact:

The Trustees protect more than 27,000 acres across Massachusetts; many of these lands support exceptional ecological value including beaches, grasslands, shrublands, forests, and barrens. Protecting these natural resources is central to the mission of The Trustees and is the focus of the Coast and Natural Resources Program. These resources, in healthy condition, support biodiversity for a myriad of plant and animal species, provide critical habitat for rare and threatened species, buffer the impacts of climate change, sequester carbon, allow for public enjoyment and recreation, and inspire the next generation to care for our lands. As an Inland Ecology Technician you’ll play an integral role, contributing to the protection and management of key species and native habitats through biological monitoring and invasive plant control activities.

The Role:

As a n Inland Ecology Technician, you will assist with plant monitoring, ecological research, and stewardship activities across our natural areas statewide to support biodiversity and climate adaptation of these ecosystems. You’ll be part of the Inland Natural Resources team, responsible for the stewardship of grasslands, forests, wetlands, and other habitats on Trustees properties, and a part of our larger statewide Coast and Natural Resources program. The focus of this position is on monitoring rare plant populations, documenting key vegetation characteristics including invasive plants within our grassland habitats, and supporting habitat management such as controlling invasive plants at our most ecologically significant habitats.

The Inland Ecology Technician will report to the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources and will work closely with the Habitat Specialist on invasive plant control efforts.

This is a limited full-time position expected to begin in May and continue through August.  This 14-week position includes the opportunity to learn about and participate in many of the modern stewardship challenges facing land managers today, especially those exacerbated by climate change.

Specifically, you’ll:
• Survey for and inventory known rare plant populations at 10 different properties including grasslands, forests, and wetlands throughout Massachusetts.
• Map and assess invasive species populations threatening habitat health at key native habitats.
• Conduct vegetation surveys to analyze species diversity and evaluate the success of existing management activities.
• Map, record, and analyze all data collected to inform future management actions.
• Assist the Habitat Specialist in controlling invasive plant species in some of our most ecologically significant habitats, especially grasslands. Control activities include mechanical and chemical control.

This is a limited term, non-exempt position working 40 hours/per week reporting directly to the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required:
• Coursework in botany, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Strong botanical skills and the ability to identify Massachusetts plant species.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff and volunteers.
• Applicants must provide their own transportation to job sites (mileage reimbursement will be available).
• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions.
• The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances.
• Willingness to travel throughout Massachusetts,

Preferred:
• At least 3 months of previous field experience.
• Experience performing vegetation surveys.
• Ability to identify Northeast invasive plants.
• GIS mapping experience.

Please submit a cover letter detailing your previous experience!

Eligibility Criteria:
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed]
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits:
• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated)
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.