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 II - Qualified 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 and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to provide professional scientific services regarding the biological monitoring and the protection and management of the State-listed Shorebird Species and their habitats. The activity of surveying nesting State-listed Shorebird Species should be conducted by trained individuals with proven shorebird identification skills and avian survey experience.

The incumbent should possess the ability to plan and assign daily work and determining team members 'training needs and providing or arranging for such training; and motivating team members to work effectively.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Analyzes data from a variety of sources on endangered and threatened shorebird species to assess population trends or to make management recommendations regarding the protection and management of these species.
• Collects and reviews biological data through field work to obtain information relative to population trends and environmental impacts in order to make appropriate recommendations.
• Provides biological technical assistance and information on such matters as endangered and threatened species conservation, management and research.
• Performs related duties such as preparing general and technical reports and maintaining data bases and other scientific records.
• Assists with training and field activities for new staff members.

Qualifications Required at Hire and Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Incumbents shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Ability to identify all species of beach-nesting birds by sight and sound.
• Ability to identify breeding/territorial behaviors and find nests of shorebirds.
• Ability to identify habitats preferred by nesting shorebirds.
• Have a clear working knowledge of, and adhere to the "Guidelines for Managing Recreational Use on Beaches to Protect Piping Plovers, terns and their Habitats in Massachusetts"

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 to other DCR coastal sites.

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.