Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) Delaware Bay Social Research Assistant

Each WHSRN Delaware Bay Social Research Assistant will work with the WHSRN Community Engagement Coordinator to support the Celebrate Delaware Bay initiative in the evaluation of different techniques to educate and engage beach visitors. The mission of Celebrate Delaware Bay is to build an inclusive community – that will protect Delaware Bay, its natural resources, and the essential habitat it provides for shorebirds and horseshoe crabs through education and direct action. Working with a network of organizations, communities, and individuals throughout the Delaware Bay region, Celebrate Delaware Bay is collaborating with partners on the implementation of conservation action projects that will have a measurable impact on shorebirds and horseshoe crabs.

Delaware Bay Social Research Assistants will have the opportunity to improve their social research skills related to natural resource management as they assist with an evaluation of engagement interventions that are be conducted in New Jersey on Delaware Bay. The goal of the interventions is to educate and empower beach visitors to reduce disturbance of migrating shorebirds and to take action to support shorebirds and horseshoe crab conservation. The evaluation will be conducted on the impact of one intervention, youth signs, on beach visitors, and how these signs change each visitor’s knowledge, opinions, and behavior. The Social Research Assistants will conduct observational surveys of the interaction between beach visitors and the signs. Social Research Assistants will also conduct interviews of beach visitors after they have interacted with the signs.

As time allows, the Social Research Assistants will also be responsible for conducting various outreach activities on behalf of Celebrate Delaware Bay, including tabling events, flyer distribution, and community letter distribution.

Social Research Assistants will report to the Community Engagement Coordinator. The positions are temporary, hourly ($14/hour, not benefits-eligible), part-time from April 25, 2018 through June 15, 2018. Weekend work will be required, but work schedule is negotiable. Depending on schedules, 3-4 Social Research Assistants will be hired.

Launched in 1985, WHSRN works to conserve shorebirds and their habitats through a network of key sites across the Americas. The WHSRN Executive Office implements program strategies and supports site partners under the direction of the WHSRN Hemispheric Council. The Network aligns with the simple strategy that key habitats throughout the Americas must be protected in order to sustain healthy populations of shorebirds. Delaware Bay was the first site to join the Network in 1986. To date, WHSRN site partners are conserving more than 36.9 million acres (nearly 14.9 million hectares) of shorebird habitat at 101 sites in 15 countries.

About Manomet

At Manomet we believe people can live and work today in ways that will enable our world to thrive and prosper. As scientists we understand we must take action to sustain our world. Manomet is a leader in the path to sustainability—and we’re working with people in four critical systems to effect real change.

We focus our work on the parts of the system where we can have measurable impact and opportunity for scale:

1. Natural System—Recovering shorebird populations and wetlands and connecting people to nature.
2. Forest System—Preparing managed forests and coastal watersheds for climate change.
3. Food System—Creating a more efficient food system.

Economic System—Enhancing economic viability and reducing environmental footprints.

By applying science and engaging people, Manomet provides practical ways to act—where people live and work. As Manomet approaches its sixth decade, we have achieved a great deal; yet there is still much work ahead. We are forging a pathway for our generation and those to come.

Manomet has about 40 scientists and support staff working from the north slope of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. Manomet offers an entrepreneurial atmosphere of dedicated professionals who support each other in a common vision of creating a more sustainable world. Our headquarters are located in Plymouth, MA and we also have offices in Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Chile, and Paraguay.

You can change the world. Come join us!

Responsibilities

The Social Research Assistants will:

1. Conduct observational surveys of the interaction between beach visitors and the youth signs.
2. Conduct interviews of beach visitors after they have interacted with the youth signs.
3. Compile data from observational surveys and interviews.
4. Conduct outreach activities if time allows. Activities may include tabling events, flyer distribution, and community letter distribution.

Requirements

1. Demonstrated ability to work independently.
2. Bachelor’s degree or working towards a Bachelor’s degree in communication, biology, natural resource management, sociology or other relevant field.
3. Excellent communication skills including written, verbal, and public speaking.
4. Access to regular use of a personal vehicle, computer, and mobile phone. Travel within New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore is required. Mileage reimbursement will be available at the federal rate.
5. Availability on weekends.
6. Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions.

Other desirable qualifications

• Experience with social research related to natural resource management.
• An understanding of the natural history of shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, and/or the Delaware Bay.

How to Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter as attachments to jobs@manomet.org. Please reference the ‘Social Research Assistant’ in the subject line. Job announcement open until filled.