Coastal Waterbird Program Ranger
Mass Audubon, Barnstable, MA, United States
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Ranger positions to assist with patrolling an island in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Rangers will provide education to beach visitors on the rules of the island and log incidents and/or violations that may occur throughout the nesting shorebird season. Please note this position does not include enforcement capabilities. All interactions with visitors ask for voluntary compliance with island regulations and documentation of any incidents. This is a field-based position with all days spent at the field site, unless prohibited by weather or other access or safety concerns. This role offers opportunities to take on varied projects as needed. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/cwp.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application. In addition, please ensure that you answer the questions at the start of the ADP application form. Your application will not be processed without completion and receipt of the items above. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will begin in February, and positions will be filled by May 1, 2026.
Responsibilities
Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program by ensuring that beachgoers do not land in closed areas and remain outside of symbolic fencing for nesting shorebirds
Interact with beachgoers to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology
Access site via boat and/or kayaks independently or with other crew members; boat training is provided
Document incidents on the island in detail to provide to enforcement agencies as needed
Assist and coordinate with Coastal Waterbird Program staff in the region to follow best practices for protection and management
Maintain an online database on visitation to the field site
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
At least 18 years of age
Strong interpersonal skills
Attention to detail and strong documentation skills
Must be comfortable on an island with no facilities
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
Able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions across varied and sandy terrain
Must have access to a personal vehicle
Willingness to learn kayaking and small-boat handling skills needed to access the island
Nice to Haves
Small boat-handling experience preferred
Interest in environmental protection and/or environmental law enforcement
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position's pay range is $20.50-$22.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Work Schedule
This position starts on May 11, 2026 and ends on August 21, 2026. Some flexibility in the start date can be granted, but all rangers must start work by May 22, 2026. The schedule is typically 3-5 days per week between 30-35 hours from 10:00am-5:00pm. Work on weekends and holidays is required (specifically Memorial Day and Fourth of July), with variable hours and schedule due to weather and site-specific requirements. Requests for a limited number of weekend days off may be considered.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Staff members must complete all designated training sessions throughout the season, as applicable to their responsibilities.
Mass Audubon's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking to fill seasonal Ranger positions to assist with patrolling an island in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Rangers will provide education to beach visitors on the rules of the island and log incidents and/or violations that may occur throughout the nesting shorebird season. Please note this position does not include enforcement capabilities. All interactions with visitors ask for voluntary compliance with island regulations and documentation of any incidents. This is a field-based position with all days spent at the field site, unless prohibited by weather or other access or safety concerns. This role offers opportunities to take on varied projects as needed. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/cwp.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application. In addition, please ensure that you answer the questions at the start of the ADP application form. Your application will not be processed without completion and receipt of the items above. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will begin in February, and positions will be filled by May 1, 2026.
Responsibilities
Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Coastal Waterbird Program by ensuring that beachgoers do not land in closed areas and remain outside of symbolic fencing for nesting shorebirds
Interact with beachgoers to provide information regarding regulations and beach ecology
Access site via boat and/or kayaks independently or with other crew members; boat training is provided
Document incidents on the island in detail to provide to enforcement agencies as needed
Assist and coordinate with Coastal Waterbird Program staff in the region to follow best practices for protection and management
Maintain an online database on visitation to the field site
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
At least 18 years of age
Strong interpersonal skills
Attention to detail and strong documentation skills
Must be comfortable on an island with no facilities
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
Able to work long hours outside in all weather conditions across varied and sandy terrain
Must have access to a personal vehicle
Willingness to learn kayaking and small-boat handling skills needed to access the island
Nice to Haves
Small boat-handling experience preferred
Interest in environmental protection and/or environmental law enforcement
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position's pay range is $20.50-$22.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position.
Work Schedule
This position starts on May 11, 2026 and ends on August 21, 2026. Some flexibility in the start date can be granted, but all rangers must start work by May 22, 2026. The schedule is typically 3-5 days per week between 30-35 hours from 10:00am-5:00pm. Work on weekends and holidays is required (specifically Memorial Day and Fourth of July), with variable hours and schedule due to weather and site-specific requirements. Requests for a limited number of weekend days off may be considered.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Staff members must complete all designated training sessions throughout the season, as applicable to their responsibilities.
Mass Audubon's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.