Massachusetts nature lovers, photographers, schools, etc., - want to participate in a survey?

EASTERN BOX TURTLE SURVEYORS WANTED

To aid its conservation efforts, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
(NHESP) in Westborough, Massachusetts, is looking for intensive seasonal assistance in
conducting Eastern Box Turtle surveys in 2010. The Eastern Box Turtle is listed as a
Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts. With special funding for this project, the
surveyors will: help plan, coordinate and conduct field surveys; perform rapid habitat
assessments; track turtles, collect, compile, and enter data, and assist in the preparation a
final report.

Preferred qualifications include: undergraduate degree in biology, wildlife, conservation
biology, or related field; familiarity and field experience with turtles and the rare flora and
fauna of Massachusetts; experience with Natural Heritage methodology; experience with
computers, including ArcGIS and Excel; experience with GPS technology; ability to interpret
topographic maps and aerial photographs; ability to work both collaboratively and
independently; good communication skills; accuracy and attention to detail; and the ability
to work under strenuous field conditions.

The services of the Box Turtle surveyors will be retained through the Natural Heritage
Program's contractual relationship with the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.
One full time opportunity will run from May 10thth to July 23rd, 2010. Additional contract
opportunities are possible (must be able to commit to a minimum of 25 hrs/wk of
services) and would run from May 17th through July 2nd.

To apply, individuals (or other vendors) should send a cover letter and resume to:

Karen Dolan
Finance & Projects Administrator
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581

Email Karen below:

karen.dolan@state.ma.us

Application deadline is 26 February 2010. The majority of the survey sites are in the
Connecticut River Valley and the Southeastern region of Massachusetts.

In your cover letter please specify the regions of the state where you would prefer to work.

For more information about the Eastern Box Turtle work contact Lori Erb at

lori.erb@state.ma.us