Volunteers contribute to conservation research by monitoring wildlife, including nest box monitoring for raptors and songbirds and coverboard surveys for amphibians.
2026 Wildlife Monitoring Opportunities
Amphibian Coverboard Surveys:
- Work with one other volunteer to monitor coverboards by turning boards over, identifying what species of frogs and salamanders are found underneath, carefully replacing the boards, and taking notes.
- Submit your data after each visit.
- You'll make three visits in May and three visits in September, with each visit taking approximately two hours each, for a total commitment of 12 hours over the season.
- You will be trained by a conservation biologist and will make an initial site visit to locate the coverboards before you and your monitoring teammate begin monitoring independently.
Nest Box Monitoring for American Kestrels:
- Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.
- You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the duration of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through early August.
Early and Late Season Nest Box Monitoring for Songbirds:
- Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.
- Nest boxes host species like American Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.
- You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the beginning and end of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through late May, and again in mid-July through early August.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field visits according to the specific timing of your monitoring project
- Collect data using approved methods (training to be provided)
- Keep track of your hours and enter your monitoring data
Qualifications
- No experience in wildlife monitoring is required, but must be able to independently motivate to accomplish tasks in the field
- Able to follow protocol and enter data
Requirements
- Must be comfortable working in the field in variable weather conditions
- Must be able to hike several miles on uneven terrain up to twice a week
- Must be able to commit to regular monitoring for the duration of the season
- Reliably respond to communications with Sanctuary staff
- Adhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety Handbook
- Be able to pass a CORI/SORI background check
- Must be 18+, or 16+ with parental supervision
Benefits
- Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year.
- Volunteer ID cards are issued to volunteers who work 50 hours or more per year. The Volunteer ID card provides free admission, for yourself and immediate family, to all of Mass Audubon’s Wildlife Sanctuaries and a 15% discount at all Mass Audubon gift shops (excluding online). It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions.
- Meet new people and share interests in nature.
- Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!
To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button. In the Response Notes, please indicate which opportunity you're interested in, and include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process.
