Job Description
POSITION INFORMATION
Number of Positions: 1
Positions: Seasonal - Conservation Biologist I - Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Location: Waquoit Bay, East Falmouth, MA
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: 3/15/2025
Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.
Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.
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.
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The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Conservation Biologist I.
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 performs related work as required.
The basic purpose of this work is providing professional scientific services regarding the biological monitoring and the protection and management of the state's endangered and threatened species plants and animals and their habitats.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
- Analyzes data variety of sources on declining species to assess population trends or to make management recommendations regarding courses of action for the protection and management of these species.
- Collects and reviews biological data through field investigations to obtain information relative to population trends and environmental impacts in order to make appropriate recommendations.
- Provides technical assistance and information on such matters as species and habitat conservation, management and research to various local, state and federal agencies and the scientific community.
- Maintains liaison with various private, local, state and federal agencies and others in order to exchange information or to resolve problems related to the maintenance of biological diversity and ecosystem function
- Performs related duties such as preparing general and technical reports and memoranda; preparing correspondence; and maintaining data and other scientific records.
Specific duties for WBNERR:
- conduct field surveys to monitor permanent salt marsh plots for elevation, plant communities, and invertebrate populations;
- using GPS and other field survey equipment, locate plots and re-establish markers;
- enter data and conduct preliminary quality checks;
- assist with marsh surface elevation and sediment accretion data collection
- deploy, retrieve, and maintain data from autonomous loggers.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology.
- Knowledge of a specific area of biology (for example, marine ecology) related to assigned responsibilities.
- Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in biology.
- Knowledge of the characteristics and habits of declining species.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of endangered and threatened species habitat management.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment used in field biology research and management.
- Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of graphs and tables.
- Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
- Ability to gather information by examining records and documents.
- Ability to maintan and update databases according to established procedures.
- Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling data into interpretative text and figures.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of biology data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to perform arithmetic and statistical computations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; and calculate basic statistics such as mean, and standard deviation).
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments.
- Ability to prepare general and technical reports.
- Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs and tables.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional and harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability. to work independently.
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) two 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, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for the required 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 .
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.