About Us and the Position:

BiodiversityWorks is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature through local conservation initiatives. We aim to empower communities to actively preserve biodiversity by providing hands-on opportunities for engagement and learning. Our Natural Neighbors program focuses on helping individuals create more biodiverse landscapes at home, whether it’s a backyard, garden, or small community space. This program aims to turn private lands into ecological sources for local biodiversity, promoting connectivity for plants and wildlife amidst ever-increasing habitat fragmentation.

We are currently seeking a conservation professional to work within Natural Neighbors as a Biodiversity Technician. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work directly with program participants (homeowners, community leaders, and other stakeholders) to promote biodiversity-friendly landscapes through public engagement and participation. We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic, self-sufficient, and thrives in public-facing roles. While knowledge of the local flora and fauna is desired, strong naturalist skills and a passion for nature study, paired with excellent communication/listening skills, will make you an outstanding candidate.

Key responsibilities include:

• Site Assessments & Reports: Walk the property/site with the landowner(s), listening to their needs, passions, and limitations to create realistic actions they would be willing to take to promote native biodiversity. These might include adding wildlife shelters or water features, thoughtful plantings that prioritize locally native plants, and the management of invasive species. After the site visit, produce a report with specific recommendations, images, and resources to help participants implement recommendations.
• Stewardship Support: While not required to be a landscape expert, you will provide guidance on basic landscaping principles (design, installation, maintenance) and assist with practical advice regarding plant selection, costs, and project sequencing as well as guidance on installing shelter and water resources.
• Invasive Species Management: Use your knowledge to identify and help manage non-native invasive species on the sites, working with program participants to prioritize actions that are manageable either on their own or by participation in our volunteer Invasive Plant Brigade.
• Promoting a Culture of Stewardship: Help build lasting relationships with program participants, ensuring participants feel empowered and supported to implement biodiversity-promoting actions and to encourage others to do the same.

Specific Tasks:

• Assisting with yard site visits and producing detailed reports for the participant with recommendations to promote biodiversity.
• Installing bat boxes.
• Installing and monitoring nest boxes
• Training/educating landowners to monitor/maintain their nest boxes.
• Organize and lead invasive plant brigade (IPB) volunteers at removal events.
• Assist with spring & fall native plant plug sales.
• Installing native plant packs for paying participants.
• Teaching Natural Neighbors participants about iNaturalist projects as a way to monitor biodiversity on the property they manage.
• Creating and contributing to social media posts, blogs, and other communications.

Qualifications:

• Passionate about biodiversity conservation and landscape connectivity.
• Ability to listen, communicate effectively (verbal and written), and work collaboratively with a variety of people.
• At least 21 years of age with a degree in wildlife biology, conservation, or a relevant field.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and a reliable vehicle.
• Able to move over uneven terrain up to 1 mile while carrying up to 25 pounds, and engage in strenuous outdoor work in all seasons; sometimes amidst ticks, mosquitoes, flies, etc.
• Able to work around and sometimes directly with poison ivy (with proper PPE)
• Able to use loppers, shovels, weed wrenches, post-pounders, etc.
• Highly organized, with the ability to multi-task to achieve multiple objectives within a week or sometimes a day. This is a multi-faceted position that requires booking appointments, client intake, and smart scheduling.
• Demonstrated skill in volunteer management.
• Able to work independently and communicate competently via text message and email.
• Proficiency with PCs as well as spreadsheets.

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiar with the flora and fauna of Southeastern Massachusetts or Coastal New England.
• Familiar with ESRI Survey 123 Connect and the use of tablets for field data collection.

• Knowledge of ecological principles, especially regarding native plants, non-native ornamental plants, and invasive species.

Why Join Us?

At BiodiversityWorks, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on local ecosystems while helping participants become mindful land stewards. This is a chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative setting where learning is encouraged, and your creativity and passion will be valued.

Compensation:

• Salary $55,000 - $57,000, depending on qualifications
• Benefits include ICHRA health reimbursement, 401K, and cell phone stipend.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.