Job Description
Who We Are:
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) serves Massachusetts' citizens by protecting, restoring, and enhancing fishery resources and their habitats, while providing sustainable fisheries related recreational and commercial opportunities.
Who We Serve:
Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.
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A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.
Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for an Offshore Wind and Fishery Specialist to perform the following duties:
Position Overview:
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) seeks applicants for the position of Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy and Fishery Specialist (Environmental Analyst III). Incumbent will participate in inter-agency and intra-agency work groups, stakeholder outreach, and the review of documents related to impacts on the Massachusetts fishing industry and marine resources from offshore wind and other proposed renewable energy projects, including efforts focused on improving the co-existence of both industries. The position will primarily address offshore wind and other water-dependent renewable energy projects with a focus on related Massachusetts fishing industry and marine habitat impacts and assist the DMF through the following activities.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve DMF as a primary scientific expert on OSW and marine fishery resource impacts.
- Review permit applications and other associated documents submitted to permitting agencies by offshore wind and renewable energy developers. Identifies potential impacts of water-dependent, renewable energy projects on fisheries, fish resources, and habitats and recommends avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating those impacts. Review and critique monitoring and research plans and interpret results of implemented monitoring and research activities conducted by offshore wind developers and others (e.g., ROSA, Mass-CEC, DMF Innovation Fund).
- Represent DMF in public meetings, interagency meetings, scientific conferences, and workshops related to renewable energy development. This includes but is not limited to the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA), ICES Working Groups, MA Ocean Plan working groups, Mass Fisheries Working Group, and Mass Habitat Working Group.
- Collates synthesizes and disseminates renewable energy project developments and findings with agency leadership, staff, and constituents. Addresses questions or requests for information regarding offshore wind development and proposed mitigation project(s) involving DMF.
- Collaborate and maintain working relationships with agency personnel, staff from other state and federal agencies, offshore wind fisheries liaisons, and academic researchers focused on offshore wind development, impact assessment, and impact mitigation.
- Lead the DMF Fisheries Innovation Panel and Coastal Community Fund Panels and assist with the administration of grants from these efforts.
- Assist with all aspects of the development, implementation, performance, and completion of mitigation projects.
- Assist and participate in the Eleven States Initiative on developing a coastwide fisheries compensatory mitigation program associated with offshore wind development.
- Identify and apply for funding opportunities that can enable DMF/DFG to conduct research projects that evaluate impacts of offshore wind on fisheries, and fishery resources and contribute towards state and federal mitigation enhancement and fill data gaps.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the marine fisheries industries and coastal marine ecosystems of Massachusetts.
- Strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office programs specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with statistics, databases, and experimental design.
- Experience with participating in workgroups.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, maps, and images, including environmental studies and published scientific literature.
- Strong writing skills for both technical and non-technical correspondence and reports.
- Strong public speaking and presentation to speak effectively at public and technical meetings.
- Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with others and to integrate the input and efforts of personnel from various projects.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to effectively manage time and adjust daily schedule to efficiently complete correspondence, travel, and attend meetings.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of fisheries science and fisheries management, including marine fisheries habitats.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and some longer/earlier/later than normal workdays
- Experience/familiarity with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, and R.
- Proficiency with GIS applications and principles.
- Knowledge of Town, State and Federal permitting processes and regulations (NEPA, MEPA,etc.).
- Knowledge of offshore wind research needs pertaining to fish and fisheries.
- Knowledge of fisheries management organizations and their respective fishery management plans.
- Familiarity with experimental design related to applied marine ecological field studies.
- Familiarity with mitigation
- Familiarity with fisheries economic exposure and compensatory mitigation
- Familiarity with creating requests for proposals, grant review and management.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's Class D license or equivalent license from the state in which you reside.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology,. natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.
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.