Spotted Lanternfly Survey Technician
About The Position
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition. At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. Position: Spotted Lantern Fly (“SLF”) Technician Number of Vacancies: 1 Location: Southborough, MA Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour Term of Employment: Temporary, contract position. 37.5 hours per week for 26 weeks. Start Date: May 17, 2026 Duties: The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources provides survey and outreach efforts for introduced plant pests, pathogens and weeds of concern to the state of Massachusetts. With the current SLF infestation, the incumbent will play an important role in exotic pest detection in Massachusetts. Primarily, the incumbent will be responsible for installing and servicing insect traps, following up on reports and surveying areas for SLF. This position will require working in a variety of environments including local parks, farms, agricultural fields, groves/orchards, storage sites, nurseries, industrial sites, forests, ports of entry, etc. Incumbent will be responsible for collecting insect and plant specimens and recording data. Some data collection will require the use of GPS, PDAs and data management systems. Work will require extensive travel in Massachusetts. Incumbent will work independently, and as part of a team. Incumbent will interact with stakeholders and performing education and outreach to the public. Qualifications: Applicant must have experience performing the duties described above or have completed coursework above high school that includes scientific or technical courses such as biology, entomology, ecology, botany, agriculture, etc. Applicant must have experience with spreadsheet and database entry, and familiarity with GPS and mapping technology. Applicant must have a valid US driver’s license and his/her own vehicle and be prepared to spend an extensive amount of time in the field. There is a mileage reimbursement for travel. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of insect and plant taxonomy, with a focus on insect identification skills. Previous experience with insect and/or plant surveys. Knowledge of technology including GPS, spreadsheet /database software, and data collection software. Knowledge of Forestry and/or arboriculture.
Requirements
- experience performing the duties described above or have completed coursework above high school that includes scientific or technical courses such as biology, entomology, ecology, botany, agriculture, etc.
- experience with spreadsheet and database entry, and familiarity with GPS and mapping technology
- valid US driver’s license and his/her own vehicle and be prepared to spend an extensive amount of time in the field
- mileage reimbursement for travel
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of insect and plant taxonomy, with a focus on insect identification skills.
- Previous experience with insect and/or plant surveys.
- Knowledge of technology including GPS, spreadsheet /database software, and data collection software.
- Knowledge of Forestry and/or arboriculture.
Responsibilities
- installing and servicing insect traps
- following up on reports and surveying areas for SLF
- collecting insect and plant specimens and recording data
- data collection using GPS, PDAs and data management systems
- extensive travel in Massachusetts
- work independently, and as part of a team
- interact with stakeholders and performing education and outreach to the public
Benefits
- outstanding suite of employee benefits
- work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
