Seasonal Wildlife Technician

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Westborough, Massachusetts

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The technician will monitor common loons across Massachusetts to determine nesting status and success through field surveys and data collection. Responsibilities include managing nesting rafts, directing volunteers, and communicating findings to the public.

Qualifications

You have experience with ornithology, biology, and ecology, along with proven field skills in conducting bird surveys and bird identification. You are proficient in using kayaks, basic navigation tools like GPS and compass, and possess strong data entry and communication abilities for public interaction and reporting.

Must Have Skills for ATS

ornithology

biology

ecology

bird surveys

bird identification

GPS

kayak

data entry

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft PowerPoint

Class 3 driver's license

Job Description

Who We Are: 

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.

Who We Are as an Employer: 

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 are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DFG:

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.

Job Description:

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.

A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reporting to the State Ornithologist, in the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Seasonal Wildlife Technicians:

  • 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

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities)

  • 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.

Qualifications Acquired on the Job 

  • Increased knowledge of the above

  • Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities

  • Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

Class 3 driver’s license



Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MassDEP serves the Commonwealth by protecting natural resource areas that involve water, land and air. MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. MassDEP enforces environmental laws, provides technical assistance to cities and towns, issues permits and licenses for activities near sensitive resources, inspects contaminated site cleanups, and partners with other federal and state agencies, municipal officials and environmental stakeholders.
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