The seasonal Box Turtle Field Technician assists with targeted inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the regionally rare eastern box turtle (Terrapene c. carolina, Endangered in NH and Special Concern in MA) and assists with outreach to landowners and volunteers. Field Technicians assist ZNE Field Biologists and other staff with ZNE’s local rare species conservation projects. The Box Turtle Field Technician will specifically assist with our Eastern box turtle conservation effort in Middlesex County, Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, including visual surveys, radiotracking, and nest surveys. The technician will also keep careful notes, regularly input field data into online databases, and assist with data analysis and map generation.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Conducts standardized biological surveys of animals and plants for ZNE’s field conservation management and research projects
2. Collects accurate and complete data and assists other Field Conservation Department staff with initial reporting and analysis
3. Meets weekly with Field Conservation Department staff to discuss and plan field activities

Hours, Location and Term of Appointment

Hours: Usually 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, except during June nesting season when hours will shift to 2:00pm-10:00pm, 5 days weekly, including some weekends.
Location: Our Conservation Department office is in Acton, MA, but the technician will primarily work at field sites in Dunstable, Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

Term: 16 weeks, scheduled April 15 - August 2 (start and end dates may be slightly negotiable with supervisor.
Wage: $19.20/hour

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of animals including reptiles,

amphibians, fish and insects, and other potentially injurious wildlife, as well as exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and other biting arthropods.

• Frequent field work in difficult natural conditions, including long walks off trail in dense brush.
• Frequent exposure to varying and challenging weather conditions (e.g. heat, rain, snow, ice), and

allergens.

• Frequent need to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and lift.

Minimum Job Requirements

• At least two years post-secondary education, pursuing a degree in biology, ecology or related fields.
• Able to work nights and weekends during the month of June.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts and transport field materials and equipment in personal vehicle.
• Must have no criminal history, convictions, in relation to animal-related issues, child welfare.

Preferred Job Requirements

• One season applied field research experience, especially with box turtles or other herpetofauna.
• Prior experience with radiotelemetry.
• Ability to identify common native plants of New England.

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

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