Seasonal Conservation Biologist I - Waquoit Bay

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Falmouth, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks a Seasonal Conservation Biologist I to provide professional scientific services supporting biological monitoring and the protection and management of Massachusetts’ endangered and threatened species, plants, animals, and habitats. The role collects, analyzes, and reviews biological information through fieldwork and literature research; provides technical assistance to public and private groups; and helps maintain agency relationships with other organizations. At the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the position conducts field surveys of permanent salt marsh plots, monitoring elevation, plant communities, and invertebrate populations. The biologist uses GPS and other field survey equipment to locate plots and re-establish markers, enters and performs preliminary quality checks on data, assists with marsh surface elevation and sediment accretion data collection, and deploys, retrieves, and maintains data from autonomous loggers. The position is seasonal, with a stated start date of November 15, 2026, and end date of March 20, 2027.

Requirements

At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, paraprofessional, or technical experience involving the protection, preservation, or management of endangered and protected species, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education.
A bachelor's or higher degree majoring in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology may substitute for the required experience at a rate of two years of education for one year of experience; education toward such a degree is prorated based on requirements completed.
Depending on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator's license may be required.
Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules, and regulations relevant to agency operations and assigned activities.
Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and to maintain and update databases according to established procedures.
Ability to organize data into interpretative text and figures, analyze biological data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and perform arithmetic and basic statistical computations, including mean and standard deviation.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, prioritize assignments, prepare reports, and use charts, graphs, and tables.
Ability to maintain accurate records, deal tactfully with others, establish professional working relationships, exercise sound judgment, and work independently.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ecology and population biology.
Knowledge of a biological specialty related to the assigned work, such as marine ecology.
Knowledge of biological research methods and techniques.
Knowledge of the characteristics and habits of declining species.
Knowledge of endangered and threatened species habitat management principles and techniques.
Knowledge of equipment used in field biology research and management.
Knowledge of methods for preparing graphs and tables.

Responsibilities

Analyze data from various sources on declining species to assess population trends or recommend management actions for their protection and management.
Collect and review biological data through field investigations to assess population trends and environmental impacts and make recommendations.
Provide technical information and assistance on species and habitat conservation, management, and research to local, state, and federal agencies and the scientific community.
Maintain liaison with private, local, state, and federal agencies and others to exchange information or resolve issues related to biological diversity and ecosystem function.
Prepare general and technical reports, memoranda, and correspondence, and maintain scientific data and records.
Conduct field surveys to monitor permanent salt marsh plots for elevation, plant communities, and invertebrate populations.
Use GPS and other field survey equipment to locate plots and re-establish markers.
Enter data and conduct preliminary quality checks.
Assist with marsh surface elevation and sediment accretion data collection.
Deploy, retrieve, and maintain data from autonomous loggers.