Seasonal Habitat Management Field Technicians

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Westborough, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife are seeking three (3) individuals to assist with the habitat management and education outreach for the control of invasive plant species on Coastal Plain Ponds across Massachusetts. Coastal Plain Ponds are a critical natural community that supports many rare and listed species that are currently being degraded by the presence of invasive plant species. Individuals will also be assisting the Restoration Ecologist with engaging general outreach to landowners, creating outreach documents, and providing public presentations in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. Fieldwork includes the identification of invasive plants, documentation of the extent of current infestations, appropriate treatments to control target invasives, and long term monitoring to determine the effectiveness of control efforts. Individuals will primarily be responsible for controlling invasive plant species with chemical (Herbicide) means. They will assist in monitoring efforts to determine the effectiveness of treatments, keep accurate field records, mapping standards, and communicate regularly with their supervisor.
These seasonal positions are funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant to MassWildlife as part of the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) to support private and public partnerships to improve ecosystem resilience and enhance wildlife habitat connectivity and are contingent upon federal grant funding approval.
Individuals hired will spend significant time in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Before start date, must pass a pesticide licensing exam and obtain a MA Pesticide Applicator License to perform job duties.
• Must be comfortable spending long periods of time in the outdoors.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to potentially drive state vehicles and trailers.

Nice To Haves

• Must be able to carry ~40 lbs. of field equipment.
• Must be able to carry a 35 – 40 lb. backpack sprayer for an extended period of time on uneven terrain.
• Ability to cut and remove brush and trees off pond shorelines up to 100 ft.
• Ability to work independently as well as working with a team.
• Identification of common invasive plant species in Massachusetts is desirable, but not required; will train
• Previous experience talking with the general public or giving presentations.
• Previous experience with technology (GPS, Mapping, ArcGIS)
• Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences.
• In-state travel will be required; willingness to use personal vehicle.
• Applicants who already have a MA Pesticide Applicator License must submit a scan of it with their application.

Responsibilities

• Identify and document invasive plant species and plant infestations.
• Control target invasive plant infestations through the use of MA-approved herbicides.
• Use hand tools and power tools (with appropriate safety equipment and training) to cut and remove unwanted vegetation.
• Conducting public presentations to local user groups and communities.
• Work with local landowners and groups to obtain written access approval.
• Working with State Botanists on rare species surveys and protection actions
• Use Mapping software, GPS, and create files and maps to document infestations, treatment units, and monitoring transects/points with ArcGIS
• Maintain field notebooks, photographs, data records, and assist with an end-of-season report.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed