Seasonal Wildlife Technician

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Westborough, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth, including endangered plants and animals. MassWildlife restores, protects, and manages land for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy. The seasonal wildlife technician will work on common loon monitoring and management throughout the state. Responsibilities will include conducting field surveys, entering data, providing direction to volunteers, and interacting with the public. The work will be conducted in coordination with the State Ornithologist. Some weekend work may be required. Technician will be required to travel throughout Massachusetts.

Requirements

Working knowledge of ornithology, biology, ecology, and related sciences.
Previous field work conducting bird surveys and experience with bird identification
Experience using kayaks on lakes/ponds
Basic map and compass skills, ability to use handheld GPS units
Experience communicating wildlife management and research (both orally and written) to the public and professionals
Knowledge of scientific research methodologies (hypothesis testing, research design, data collection and data analysis)
Experience using computer programs for organizing and communicating wildlife-related data (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, etc)
Ability and willingness to work long hours in the field under challenging conditions including but not limited to: continual arduous physical activity across uneven terrain, exposure to ticks, regular exposure to and movement through thorny vegetation and poison ivy.
Class 3 driver’s license

Responsibilities

Monitor waterbodies for common loons (by foot or kayak) to collect/enter/review data to determine nesting status and success throughout the state
Reading and recording color bands on loons to identify individuals
Entering and managing data in an electronic database
Provide direction to volunteer loon monitors
Management of nesting rafts for loons (deploying, maintaining)
Disseminate information on nesting loons to the public
Assist with writing an end-of-season report
Conduct other tasks as assigned