Youth Environmental Steward
About The Position
Under the supervision of Mass Audubon’s Nantucket Sanctuaries staff, Youth Environmental Stewards work to protect the nature of Nantucket for people and wildlife by helping to maintain and steward Mass Audubon’s three island properties. Youth Environmental Stewards also work with our Coastal Waterbird Program staff to monitor birds on private and public beaches. Mass Audubon’s Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuary is on the eastern side of Nantucket and encompasses globally rare coastal heathland and sandplain grassland habitats. Sesachacha Pond, the largest body of brackish water on the Island is located within the Sanctuary, and is a magnet for 300 recorded bird species, including northern harriers and eastern towhees. Nantucket's largest pitch pine forest is found at Mass Audubon’s Lost Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Youth Environmental Stewards learn about these habitats, wildlife, and properties and support efforts to steward and manage nearly 1,000 acres of open space on Nantucket.
Requirements
- Between 16 and 22 years of age
- Personal interest in working outdoors and with the public
- Currently enrolled in or graduated from high school or equivalent
- Able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs across varied and sandy terrain
Nice To Haves
- Nantucket year-round resident student or graduate
Responsibilities
- Monitor and maintain properties including residence/office grounds and trail systems extending over 10 miles at Lost Farm, Smith’s Point, and Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Assist with building maintenance and improvements
- Identify, document, and remove invasive species
- Research different historic, natural, or cultural topics for Mass Audubon’s Nantucket properties
- Assist Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program which protects threatened and endangered species that nest on Nantucket’s shores by installing symbolic fencing, documenting bird behavior, searching for birds and their nests, mapping bird activities, and completing reports and paperwork as needed
- Participate in ongoing community science efforts at Nantucket Sanctuaries and partner organizations
- Assist regional staff to create outreach materials as needed
- Serve as a public representative for Mass Audubon when engaging with members of the public and Sanctuary visitors
- Assist as needed with any formal education or volunteer programs and provide informal information to sanctuary visitors and the public as needed
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
