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 recreational and commercial opportunities related to fisheries.
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 a Shellfish Restoration Specialist to perform the following duties:
Position Overview:
The incumbent is responsible for coordinating an interagency working group consisting of partners, municipalities, and stakeholders in the development of a statewide plan to identify suitable sites for coastal habitat restoration projects; oversees and supports the development of tools for prioritizing potential oyster and other coastal habitat restoration locations; coordinates the planning and permitting of at least five oyster reef restoration sites within 5 years; reviews and updates existing DMF policies to reflect changes to restoration practices; develops standard operating procedures and best practices documents for restoration project implementation and monitoring; attends interagency meetings and committees relevant to coastal habitat restoration; conducts applied research projects related to the restoration and study of marine fisheries habitats; communicates scientific information within the agency and with stakeholders; works directly with the Habitat Program and Shellfish Program staff to establish annual program priorities and workplans; performs other related work as required and assist the DMF through the following activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop a statewide plan for coastal shellfish habitat restoration in coordination with an interagency working group.
- Engage stakeholders in prioritizing potential restoration projects, including eelgrass, shellfish, and saltmarsh habitats.
- Conduct a statewide site suitability assessment using GIS and stakeholder input for siting and permitting shellfish restoration projects in coastal Massachusetts.
- Develop standard operating procedures and best management practices for planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat restoration projects.
- Plan and permit at least five shellfish restoration sites in Massachusetts within 5 years.
- Review and update DMF Policies to advance sensible shellfish restoration for ecological benefits.
- Complete all grant and project reports.
- Interpret results of monitoring and research activities and studies designed to improve coastal habitat restoration.
- Assist with identifying program priorities and developing work plans.
- Assist with writing and administering grants for research funding.
- Perform literature reviews and prepare technical reports and graphical presentations.
- Conduct field research on the quality and distribution of coastal habitats.
- Represent DMF at public meetings, interagency working groups, scientific conferences and workshops.
- Foster communication across multiple DMF program areas.
- Maintain a network of contacts directly relevant to research, management, and policy priorities.
- Demonstrate professionalism in words and actions.
- Perform other surveys, studies, or duties as directed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience/familiarity with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, and R.
- Knowledge of Town, State, and Federal permitting processes and regulations (NEPA, MEPA, etc.).
- Familiarity with mitigation
- Familiarity with creating requests for proposals, grant review, and management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of fisheries science, fisheries management, and coastal habitat restoration. Experience with oyster restoration a plus.
- Thorough knowledge of marine biology and ecology, including field research techniques.
- Familiarity with marine spatial planning and GIS applications and principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS (or other GIS programs) applications.
- Experience with grant writing and administration.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, maps, and images, including environmental studies and published scientific literature.
- Strong technical and non-technical writing skills.
- Excellent oral communication skills.
- Experience with participating in workgroups.
- Demonstrated ability to foster communication and work collaboratively.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively manage concurrent program needs within defined timelines.
- Ability to travel and attend meetings.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and some longer/earlier/later than normal workdays.
- Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with others and to integrate the input and efforts of personnel from various projects.
- Ability to plan and implement marine research projects.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and some longer/earlier/later than normal workdays.
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, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelors degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography 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 marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management, marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of 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.
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.