Seasonal Forestry Assistant - West Boylston Winter 26/27

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•West Boylston, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks seasonal Forestry Assistants for the Massachusetts Cooperative Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program. Working in mixed teams of USDA and DCR staff, Forestry Assistants conduct on-the-ground surveys of host trees and host material for signs and symptoms of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation. Surveys take place across varied terrain and in wooded, swamp, residential, commercial, and landscaped areas. The work also provides opportunities to develop tree identification and forest assessment skills, use Esri ArcGIS Field Maps to collect and enter data, and build communication skills through interaction with the public and stakeholders. The position is based at 184 West Boylston St., West Boylston, Massachusetts. The scheduled season is November 15, 2026 through March 20, 2027, with work hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Three positions are available. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The requisition remains open until filled, with first consideration given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in forestry or natural resource management, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying substitutions.
An associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may substitute for the required experience; education toward such a degree is prorated based on the proportion of requirements completed.
Possess a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Nice To Haves

Critical thinking skills.
Strong verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Prior field work experience.
Knowledge of the ALB lifecycle.
Familiarity with New England landscapes and forest types.
Ability to identify all genera of ALB host trees.
Knowledge of regional invasive forest insects, pests, and pathogens, their threats, and associated damage.
Experience using field data collection systems, such as Esri applications (Collector, Field Maps, Survey123) and GPS devices (Garmin, Trimble).
Ability to use a map and compass.

Responsibilities

Identify ALB host trees to species, measure DBH, and collect and enter data using Esri ArcGIS Field Maps.
Inspect host trees for signs and symptoms of ALB infestation.
Work outdoors across all terrain types.
Interact with the public and stakeholders to conduct host tree inspections.
Cooperate with federal, state, and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters, including forest fires, wind or ice storms, and insect infestations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Union representation through the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists (MOSES), Unit 9.
Eligibility for union recall rights to the position next season.
Paid personal time off, accrued sick time, and vacation time.
Paid holidays.
Health insurance available, effective the first of the month following the hire date.
Pension.
Optional enrollment in the Massachusetts Deferred Compensation 457 SMART Plan.
Experience working in a state agency with diverse career opportunities.
Opportunity to learn to identify regional native and landscaped trees in all seasons.
Opportunity to gain communication skills through engagement with the public and stakeholders.