Opportunities From: Mass Audubon

Volunteer: Nest Watch - Moose Hill

Help Mass Audubon track the status and trends in the reproductive biology of breeding birds at our sanctuaries by participating in the nationwide community science research program NestWatch. The NestWatch program was developed and run by the Cornel Lab of Ornithology, and utilized by Mass Audubon statewide to engage volunteers in breeding bird biology through data collection.

The Nest Watch Volunteer will be trained and responsible for collecting reproductive data on breeding birds by monitoring nest boxes at a specified sanctuary. Volunteers will learn to identify several local breeding bird species by sight and by nest structures. Common bird species to be monitored include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee.

Shift/Schedule Information

This volunteer position takes place May-August, which spans the duration of the breeding bird season.

Volunteers visit nest box sites at least once per week with an estimated commitment of 2 hours per week. 

You are able to monitor anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for the day that you are signed up for.

Qualifications

Volunteers should be comfortable being outdoors for the duration of their shift and be prepared to encounter swooping birds and disturbed/destroyed eggs and nests. 

Ability to collect and record accurate data to an online platform while in the field.

Ability to walk on sometimes uneven terrain and through tall grass. Walking distance can be 1-2 miles, but varies by location.

Successful completion of a CORI/SORI background check.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences a little about yourself and why you would be a good fit for this position. Please note this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. Our volunteer coordinator will follow up with you with more information and next steps.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Help Mass Audubon track the status and trends in the reproductive biology of breeding birds at our sanctuaries by participating in the nationwide community science research program NestWatch. The NestWatch program was developed and run by the Cornel Lab of Ornithology, and utilized by Mass Audubon statewide to engage volunteers in breeding bird biology through data collection.

The Nest Watch Volunteer will be trained and responsible for collecting reproductive data on breeding birds by monitoring nest boxes at a specified sanctuary. Volunteers will learn to identify several local breeding bird species by sight and by nest structures. Common bird species to be monitored include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee.

Shift/Schedule Information

This volunteer position takes place May-August, which spans the duration of the breeding bird season.

Volunteers visit nest box sites at least once per week with an estimated commitment of 2 hours per week. 

You are able to monitor anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for the day that you are signed up for.

Qualifications

Volunteers should be comfortable being outdoors for the duration of their shift and be prepared to encounter swooping birds and disturbed/destroyed eggs and nests. 

Ability to collect and record accurate data to an online platform while in the field.

Ability to walk on sometimes uneven terrain and through tall grass. Walking distance can be 1-2 miles, but varies by location.

Successful completion of a CORI/SORI background check.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences a little about yourself and why you would be a good fit for this position. Please note this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. Our volunteer coordinator will follow up with you with more information and next steps.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 02067

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Barn Swallow Nest Monitoring

Help support Barn Swallows at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary by contributing to a community conservation project that monitors and maintains specially built nest shelves. Barn Swallows once commonly nested on barns and structures, but suitable nesting spots have become harder to find. These nest shelves provide safe, stable places for them to raise their young. 

This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn about wildlife up close, and directly support local bird conservation in a meaningful and ongoing way. No prior experience is needed and training will be provided.

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you'll visit 8 nest shelves that are attached to a barn. During the breeding season (mid-April to mid-September) you will be doing the following:

Observe and record activity or non-activity at the nesting site

Note any challenges, such as use of shelves by other species like the invasive House Sparrow

Visit the nesting site every 5-7 days for a maximum of 1-minute at each nesting shelf. Minimal disturbance of the birds is critical to the success of this project

Enter your observations into NestWatch, a national community science program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

It is important to follow all wildlife safety guidelines, including keeping a respectful distance and never touching nests, eggs, or chicks.

Outside the breeding season (September-April), volunteers may also help check and maintain the nest shelves. These simple maintenance visits help create the best possible conditions for returning Barn Swallows.

Qualifications

Volunteers should be comfortable spending time outdoors on uneven ground and mud and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Minimal walking is involved and you can park right next to the nesting site.

You will need sturdy shoes and a pair of binoculars.

Volunteers will need to complete a CORI/SORI background check.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences a little about yourself and why you would be a good fit for this position. Please note this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. Our volunteer coordinator will follow up with you with more information and next steps.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Help support Barn Swallows at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary by contributing to a community conservation project that monitors and maintains specially built nest shelves. Barn Swallows once commonly nested on barns and structures, but suitable nesting spots have become harder to find. These nest shelves provide safe, stable places for them to raise their young. 

This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn about wildlife up close, and directly support local bird conservation in a meaningful and ongoing way. No prior experience is needed and training will be provided.

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you'll visit 8 nest shelves that are attached to a barn. During the breeding season (mid-April to mid-September) you will be doing the following:

Observe and record activity or non-activity at the nesting site

Note any challenges, such as use of shelves by other species like the invasive House Sparrow

Visit the nesting site every 5-7 days for a maximum of 1-minute at each nesting shelf. Minimal disturbance of the birds is critical to the success of this project

Enter your observations into NestWatch, a national community science program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

It is important to follow all wildlife safety guidelines, including keeping a respectful distance and never touching nests, eggs, or chicks.

Outside the breeding season (September-April), volunteers may also help check and maintain the nest shelves. These simple maintenance visits help create the best possible conditions for returning Barn Swallows.

Qualifications

Volunteers should be comfortable spending time outdoors on uneven ground and mud and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Minimal walking is involved and you can park right next to the nesting site.

You will need sturdy shoes and a pair of binoculars.

Volunteers will need to complete a CORI/SORI background check.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences a little about yourself and why you would be a good fit for this position. Please note this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. Our volunteer coordinator will follow up with you with more information and next steps.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 02067

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Visitor Center Volunteer at Moose Hill

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Visitor Center Volunteers are front-facing representatives of Mass Audubon, connecting visitors to all the organization and Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer. Volunteers greet and orient visitors, collect admission payments using a point-of-sale system, look up information in our database, and pitch the benefits of purchasing a Mass Audubon membership. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to promote access to outdoor spaces, foster a sense of belonging for visitors of all backgrounds and experiences, and be part of our larger mission to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.

Responsibilities

Greet and provide information to members and visitors about our sanctuary, trails, programs, membership, and Mass Audubon in general. You will greet visitors outdoors in the parking area (weather permitting) and indoors in the visitor center.Check membership status and record visitation statistics on the computer.Answer phone inquiries and provide information and directions.Use a Point-of-Sale system, credit card reader, and computer for gift shop sales, membership sales, and collection of admission fees. Understand and introduce visitors to the benefits of a Mass Audubon membership, processing new and renewal memberships.Help to keep the visitor center, lobby, front desk, gift shop, and restrooms clean and tidy.Occasionally assist during peak periods such as holidays and weekends or special events.

Training will be provided.

Qualifications

Some prior customer service experienceA love of interacting with a variety of peopleComfort with the basics a computer and a willingness to learn new technologyAdult aged 18 or olderSuccessful completion of a CORI/SORI background check

Schedule/Shift Information

Shifts are 2.5 hours each.Volunteers are asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 shifts per week, Wednesday-Sunday.Volunteers are responsible for signing up for their shifts and logging their own hours after each volunteer shift in the online Volunteer Portal.

Next Steps

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Visitor Center Volunteers are front-facing representatives of Mass Audubon, connecting visitors to all the organization and Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer. Volunteers greet and orient visitors, collect admission payments using a point-of-sale system, look up information in our database, and pitch the benefits of purchasing a Mass Audubon membership. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to promote access to outdoor spaces, foster a sense of belonging for visitors of all backgrounds and experiences, and be part of our larger mission to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.

Responsibilities

Greet and provide information to members and visitors about our sanctuary, trails, programs, membership, and Mass Audubon in general. You will greet visitors outdoors in the parking area (weather permitting) and indoors in the visitor center.Check membership status and record visitation statistics on the computer.Answer phone inquiries and provide information and directions.Use a Point-of-Sale system, credit card reader, and computer for gift shop sales, membership sales, and collection of admission fees. Understand and introduce visitors to the benefits of a Mass Audubon membership, processing new and renewal memberships.Help to keep the visitor center, lobby, front desk, gift shop, and restrooms clean and tidy.Occasionally assist during peak periods such as holidays and weekends or special events.

Training will be provided.

Qualifications

Some prior customer service experienceA love of interacting with a variety of peopleComfort with the basics a computer and a willingness to learn new technologyAdult aged 18 or olderSuccessful completion of a CORI/SORI background check

Schedule/Shift Information

Shifts are 2.5 hours each.Volunteers are asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 shifts per week, Wednesday-Sunday.Volunteers are responsible for signing up for their shifts and logging their own hours after each volunteer shift in the online Volunteer Portal.

Next Steps

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Place: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 02067

Allow Groups: No