Project: Common Loon Productivity Monitoring

Status: Full-time Seasonal

Research Center Appointment: Loon Program

Location: Southeastern Massachusetts

Work Environment: Field biologists will use both kayaks and motorboats (on occasion) to survey reservoirs, lakes, and ponds across southeastern MA (weather permitting). Research often requires long hours in the field.

Compensation: $17.50/hr paid bi-weekly. A vehicle is provided for all work-related travel, and mileage reimbursement at the federal standard rate of 67 cents per mile is available for any personal vehicle used for work related activities. Must live in SE Massachusetts area. No housing is provided.

Start/End Date: April 14th, 2025 through August 15th, 2025. End dates are flexible, but the applicant must be available in mid-April to begin work.

Project Overview: BRI’s Loon Program is responsible for research studies assessing a variety of ecological stressors to Common Loons in New England. The Program is actively involved in assisting state and regional conservation agencies in loon monitoring efforts, capture and banding efforts, and the development of management plans to ensure long-term reproductive success. Loon field biologists are responsible for acting in support of ongoing loon studies involving loon ecology, toxin levels, demographics, behavior, and genetics. The successful candidate must possess a genuine interest in supporting BRI’s mission and a strong desire to be part of a dynamic and purpose-driven work environment.

Position Responsibilities: Field biologists will help BRI staff to deploy loon nesting platforms at the beginning of the breeding season and retrieve rafts at the end of the season. Biologists will then be responsible for conducting productivity surveys to assess nesting frequency, nest success, and total productivity throughout the field site. Other duties include:

• Locating loon nesting sites and recording coordinates.
• Re-sight banded individuals as part of long-term demographic and contaminant studies.
• Collect abandoned eggs, eggshells, and loon carcasses.
• Maintaining nesting platforms throughout the season.
• Upkeep and standard maintenance of field gear.
• Participate in the collection, recording, and reporting of data to ensure quality and methodology.
• Potential to participate in the live capture of loons.
• Submit weekly updates and enter collected data.
• Coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with state, federal, and private researchers as needed to ensure project goals.
• Uphold the legal requirements of permits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required: Qualifications: Successful candidates should be working towards or have completed a B.A. or B.S. prior to the start date in wildlife biology, wildlife management, biology, zoology, ecology, or a related discipline. A valid driver’s license is required. Other desired qualifications include:

• Courses and/or work experience in wildlife biology, preferably with avian or aquatic species.
• Must have or be able to receive a certificate of safe boating before the start date as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to operate a powerboat (online course, and BRI will reimburse costs).
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team of researchers.
• Detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills.
• Strong swimming ability.
• Prior experience driving and trailering powerboats is desired but not required.
• Experience or willingness to paddle kayaks or canoes.
• Working knowledge of Google platforms including maps, sheets, and drive.
• Patience to monitor banded individuals.
• Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions.
• A genuine interest in learning about wildlife conservation and their habitats.

Physical Demands: Physically demanding work requires that Field Biologists be in excellent physical condition and must possess the ability to tolerate weather extremes, rough water, hiking into remote lakes, and the company of biting insects. Need to be able to lift 50+ lbs.

Location: The field sites are located throughout Massachusetts, however, they will be concentrated in the southeastern Massachusetts (Lakeville) area. Field research will require long hours alone in the field. Housing is not provided and as such, applicants will preferably live in southeastern Massachusetts. At minimum, a 40-hour work week is expected, and many days may exceed 8 hours of work. Employees who are paid a salary are not eligible for overtime compensation. Actual hours worked are based on business needs and may regularly exceed 40 hours per week to ensure their work and their department’s work is completed as needed.