The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Conservation Biologist I - Shorebird Monitor. This position collects, analyzes, and reviews biological data through field, and literature work on endangered and threatened species and other features of biological diversity; provides technical assistance and information to public and/or private groups; helps the agency in maintaining liaison with various public and private agencies; and perform related work as required.

This is an entry level position with the basic purpose of providing professional scientific services regarding the biological monitoring and the protection and management of the state's endangered and threatened species of shorebirds and their habitats. Incumbents will be trained on the activity of surveying nesting State-listed Shorebird Species to improve on identification and avian survey skills.

The incumbent should possess the ability to determining and meeting the training needs and arranging attendance for such training to work effectively.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collects and reviews biological data through field work on nesting, foraging and migrating species of shorebirds including abundance and distribution of target species
• Assists in management of databases including abundance, productivity and behavioral data, and creates GIS or Google Earth maps.
• Accomplish the wildlife management, protection, and education objectives of the Shorebird Conservation Program
• Provides biological technical assistance to park-based operations staff
• Conduct research on special projects as directed

Qualifications Required at Hire and Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Incumbents shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology.
• Knowledge of a specific area of biology (i.e. ornithology) or other conservation science related to assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in conservation biology.
• Knowledge of the characteristics and biological behaviors of shorebird species.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of biological monitoring.

Position Information:

• Weekly schedule includes weekends and holidays.
• The position involves field based work at Salisbury Beach, Revere Beach, Wollaston Beach and Horseneck Beach but must provide support, coverage and travel through other DCR coastal sites as assigned.

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) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

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