Habitat Management Field Member - Penikese Island (Seasonal Contractor)

Habitat Management Field Members assist with the mapping, treatment, and vegetation monitoring of ongoing projects for the control of invasive plant species on Wildlife Management Areas across Massachusetts. Fieldwork includes identification of invasive plants, documentation of the extent of current infestations, appropriate application of treatments to control target invasives, and long-term monitoring to determine the effectiveness of control efforts. They will primarily be responsible to control invasive plant species with chemical (Herbicide) means, but also have the potential to participate with proper training and supervision in mechanical and prescribed fire treatments to complement herbicide treatments in reaching long term goals for invasives control and wildlife habitat improvements. They will assist in vegetation and wildlife monitoring efforts to determine the effective of treatments, keep accurate field records, mapping standards, and communicate regularly with their supervisor.

The Habitat Management crew member will spend the first 10 weeks assisting with vegetation control at Penikese Island, MA and will assist the Site Manager in restoring endangered terns to Buzzards Bay through an intensive program of protection, management, and monitoring at the key nesting islands. Responsibility to protect these endangered birds falls under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Once that portion of the position is complete, the individual will be reassigned to work the remaining 11 weeks of the position on Mainland Massachusetts with the rest of the field crew assisting in Vegetation Control at select wildlife management areas.

Specific duties include:

1. Identify and document highly invasive plant species and plant infestations.

2. Control target invasive plant infestations through the use of MA-approved herbicides.

3. Use hand tools and power tools (with appropriate safety equipment and training) to cut and remove unwanted vegetation.

4. Assist the Prescribed Fire team with prescribed burn operations (with appropriate training and safety equipment).

5. Use Mapping software, GPS, and create files and maps to document infestations, treatment units, and monitoring transects/points with ArcGIS

6. Maintain field notebooks, photographs, data records, and assist with an end-of-season report.

7. Protect and census colonies of Common and endangered Roseate Terns, and Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls

8. Discouragement of nesting gulls

9. Monitor tern growth and productivity; trap and band adult and chicks; participate in other studies as needed.

10. Reading bands on adults through spotting scopes

Qualifications:

Before start date, must pass a pesticide licensing exam and obtain a MA Pesticide Applicator License to perform job duties. Must be comfortable spending long periods of time in the outdoors Must have a valid drivers license to potentially drive state vehicles and trailers.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience camping under primitive conditions is desirable. Person hired will be required to set up and live in a field camp on the island.

2. Good physical condition. Must be able to carry ~40 lbs. of field equipment a distance of ½ mile. Must be able to carry a 35 - 40 lb. backpack sprayer for an extended period of time on uneven terrain.

3. Ability to work independently, as well as live and work cooperatively and harmoniously with others. Must be comfortable living with others in close quarters in a remote island setting with limited facilities for 2-3 weeks at a time.

4. Ability to identify common invasive plant species in Massachusetts is desirable, but not required; will train

5. Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences and bird banding experience are helpful, but not required.

6. Willingness to work at night when required

7. In-state travel will be required; a Massachusetts Class D driver's license (or equivalent) and an acceptable driving record.

Comments:

During the first 10 weeks of the position fieldwork will be conducted at PENIKESE ISLAND, Gosnold (in Buzzards Bay). During that period work on weekends and holidays is expected. Incumbent will work an average of 6 days/week, and will work on the island for up to 2 - 3 weeks at a time before getting time off, depending on weather conditions and on an irregular boat schedule to the island. Must take and pass the MA Pesticide Applicator exam before the start date of the position. MassWildlife will pay the license fee for individuals who have passed the exam but are not yet licensed.

Crew housing on the mainland might be available for days when the individual is not on Penikeses for their day off.

A cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references must be submitted as part of the application process. Applicants must apply on MassCareers; emailed applications will not be accepted. Go to: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl; under "Organization," click on "See all organizations," and check "Department of Fish and Game."

Additionally, applicants who already have a MA Pesticide Applicator License must submit a scan of it with their application.

For more information about the positions, contact Daniel Bove, daniel.bove@mass.gov.

Anticipated Start/End Dates: 20 May 2024 - 4 October 2024

Salary: $20.00-22.00/hr, depending on experience

Anticipated Hours per Week: up to 48 hours a week for 10 week (Penikese Island Portion), 40 hours a week for 11 week (Mainland Portion)

Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Qualification and preferred qualifications above.

There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave.

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.