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.
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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 ndangered 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.
Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife seeks applicants for a seasonal contractor to perform the following duties:
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife seeks individuals to assist with the mapping, herbicide treatment, and vegetation monitoring of ongoing projects to control invasive plant species in Wildlife Management Areas across Massachusetts. Fieldwork includes identification of invasive plants, documentation of the extent of current infestations, appropriate herbicide application of treatments to control target invasives, and long-term monitoring to determine the effectiveness of control efforts. The primary responsibility of the crew will be to control invasive plant species using chemical (herbicide) means. The crew members will also participate in proper training in mechanical (Brush-saw and Chainsaw) and prescribed fire treatments to complement herbicide treatments in reaching long-term goals for invasive control and wildlife habitat improvements. They will assist in monitoring vegetation and wildlife to determine treatments' effectiveness, keep accurate field records and mapping standards, and communicate regularly with their supervisor. The crew will be able to assist other staff with inventory/taxa work as it is available/practical.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify and document highly invasive plant species and plant infestations.
- Control target invasive plant infestations through the use of MA-approved herbicides.
- Use hand and power tools (with appropriate safety equipment and training) to cut and remove unwanted vegetation.
- Assist the Prescribed Fire team with prescribed burn operations (with appropriate training and safety equipment).
- Use Mapping software, GPS, and create files and maps to document infestations, treatment units, and monitoring transects/points with ArcGIS
- Maintain field notebooks, photographs, and data records and assisted with an end-of-season report.
- Assist with biological surveys during early hours and late evenings.
- Assist with Herbicide treatments at Penikese Island, which require two overnight trips for multiple days.
- Assist with Monitoring program (Photo Points, Vegetation Surveys, Light Trap Surveys)
- In-state travel is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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 work independently as well as working with a team.
- Identification of common invasive plant species.
- Previous experience with technology (GPS, Mapping, ArcGIS)
- Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences.
- In-state travel will be required; a Massachusetts Class D driver's license (or equivalent) and an acceptable driving record.
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 drivers license and clean driving record in order to drive Commonwealth fleet vehicles. Must take and pass the MA Pesticide Applicator exam before the start date of the position. MassWildlife will pay the license fee for individuals who have passed the exam but are not yet licensed.
The initial contract will be through the end of June 2025 (FY25). Extensions until October 2025 (FY26) are contingent on additional funding.
Additionally, applicants with an MA Pesticide Applicator License must submit a scan of it with their application.
Anticipated Start/End Dates: 31 March- 3 October 2025
Salary: $20.00-25.00/hr, depending on experience
Anticipated Hours per Week: 40 hours a week for up to 27 Weeks
Qualifications
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.
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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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.