Great Pond Foundation seeks a Resilient Ecosystem Mentee to assist the Foundation’s scientific team in executing all programs in fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission, while gaining valuable experience and mentoring. This is a seasonal, early career position at Great Pond Foundation.  The Resilient Ecosystem Mentorship serves to increase the sustainability and resilience of the Island community through active engagement in scientific monitoring and preservation of Island ponds.  

This is both a field and office-based position with work off-site and occasional nights and weekends. The Resilient Ecosystem Mentee will spend 75% of their time conducting field work, with the remaining time spent focusing on lab work. The Resilient Ecosystem Mentee will assist with weekly sample collection, coordination of the seasonal field crew, preparation and processing of samples for scientific monitoring programs. The Resilient Ecosystem Mentee will also support summer outreach activities hosted by GPF for stakeholders of all ages.  

Description of Duties

• Coordinate with GPF scientists and staff to ensure programs run efficiently
• Collect water quality samples in coastal ponds
• Collect biodiversity survey data, including beach seine hauls, and plankton tows
• Supervise and coordinate summer interns under direction of Scientific Program Manager
• Prepare and process samples for further laboratory analyses
• Data entry and management
• Assist in maintenance of equipment and inventory of supplies
• Assist with community outreach events
• Promote safe lab and work environment
• Work collaboratively with all GPF staff

Skills and Qualifications

• Basic laboratory skills and field experience preferred
• Working knowledge of computers and willingness to learn, proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership skills, previous experience leading and supervising others is preferred
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team
• Adaptable, hardworking, willing to learn, and attention to detail
• Must be comfortable and competent in and around water, willing to work outside in all conditions
• Comfortable handling marine species such as fish and crabs
• Experience navigating with GPS and operating motorized boats/kayaks, and capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of New England coastal habitats and local species is a plus
• Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. or higher in biology, marine biology, ecology, environmental science, a related field, or equivalent experience