Endangered Species Review Biologist

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

The Endangered Species Review Biologist will oversee permitting of proposed projects under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), Wetlands Protection Act, and Forest Cutting Practices Act to protect rare wildlife and plant species listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern under MESA. Review and analyze the environmental impacts of proposed projects on state-listed rare species and their habitats. Provide guidance to project proponents on permitting requirements to authorize the "take" of rare species and negotiate permit terms to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts. This position specializes in regulatory review and protection of state-listed rare species and their habitats related to proposed forestry, agriculture, and habitat restoration and management projects.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on the environmental impacts of proposed projects on state-listed rare species protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). Provide guidance to project proponents on the legal requirements of MESA and the rare wildlife provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), including obtaining Conservation and Management Permits to authorize the "take" of rare species and their habitats. Negotiate permit terms and conditions to minimize and mitigate impacts consistent with the MESA and WPA. Follow-up to ensure permit compliance as needed.

2. Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on proposed forest management plans on rare species and their habitats under the Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act. Where necessary, conduct surveys for rare plant species to facilitate protection.

3. Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on proposed habitat management plans regarding rare species and their habitats. Consult and work proactively with conservation partners and other state / federal agencies to address concerns and improve conservation outcomes for rare species.

4. Review, conduct site visits, and prepare written comments on proposed Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) habitat management and agricultural plans. Consult with NRCS to address rare species concerns related to agricultural practices and identify proactive opportunities to benefit rare species.

5. Extract information from the NHESP's rare species records, occurrence maps, and consult with NHESP taxonomic experts concerning potential rare species impacts.

6. Conduct outreach and programming for stakeholders, project proponents, environmental consultants and other interest groups.

7. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

1. Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology.

2. Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in conservation biology.

3. Knowledge of the characteristics and habitats of endangered and threatened species.

4. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of endangered and threatened species habitat restoration and management.

5. Knowledge of agricultural and forestry principles and practices.

6. Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.

7. Ability to analyze, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations from applicable rare species information.

8. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.

9. Ability to prepare general and technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Previous professional experience in habitat impact assessment, environmental law and or land use regulation.

2. Previous professional experience and or academic training in agricultural, forestry and or habitat restoration / management principles and practices.

3. Academic training and demonstrated expertise in applied conservation, especially the conservation of endangered species and their habitat.

4. Excellent analytical ability and negotiating skills.

5. Excellent skills in verbal communication and technical writing.

6. Experience with GIS, aerial photography and topographic maps.

7. Ability to work effectively on a number of projects simultaneously with a minimum of supervision and ability to meet firm deadlines.

8. Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel and ArcView software.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license and an acceptable driving record may be required.

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, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, 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 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.

NOTE: Substitutions will not be permitted for the required (C) experience.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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.