Seasonal Inland Ecology Technician

The Trustees of Reservations is hiring a Seasonal Inland Ecology Technician in Massachusetts, responsible for ecological monitoring and invasive plant control across various habitats. This full-time, onsite position lasts from May 15 to October 30, 2024, with a pay rate of $16.50 to $19 per hour. The role supports biodiversity and climate adaptation efforts as part of the Coast and Natural Resources Program.
• December 10, 2024
Employer: The Trustees of Reservations

Location: Massachusetts

Country: United States

Last Date to Apply: 05/09/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16.5/hour – $19/hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: May 15th – Oct 30th (14 weeks)

Location: Statewide, Massachusetts

If you are interested in the role, please apply through our job board: https://thetrustees.org/program/careers-at-the-trustees/

What You’ll Do:

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. The seasonal Ecology Technician contributes to the protection and management of key species and native habitats through biological monitoring and invasive plant control activities.

The Role:

As a Seasonal 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. The Ecology Technician is part of the Inland Natural Resources team, responsible for the stewardship of grasslands, forests, wetlands and other habitats on Trustees properties and is 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 seasonal 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 seasonal, full-time position expected to begin in May and continues 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 to control invasive plant species at some of our most ecologically significant habitats, especially grasslands. Control activities include mechanical and chemical control.

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

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

· Required:

o Coursework in botany, ecology, environmental science, or related field.

o Strong botanical skills and the ability to identify Massachusetts plant species.

o Ability to collaborate with other staff and volunteers.

o Applicants must provide their own transportation to job sites (mileage reimbursement will be available).

o The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions.

o The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking long distances.

o Willingness to travel throughout Massachusetts,

· Preferred:

o At least 3 months of previous field experience.

o Experience performing vegetation surveys.

o Ability to identify Northeast invasive plants.

o 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.

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.

Your Benefits:

Sick time: Mass Sick Leave

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.