Habitat Management Field Member (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.

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.

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 and acceptable driving record in order drive state vehicles and trailers.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

2. Ability to cut and remove brush and trees off pond shorelines up to 100 ft.

3. Ability to work independently as well as working with a team.

4. Identification of common invasive plant species in Massachusetts is desirable, but not required; will train

5. Previous experience with technology (GPS, Mapping, ArcGIS)

6. Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences.

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

Comments:

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.

We are looking for 3 individuals to conduct this position.

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 - 5 October 2024

Salary: $20.00-25.00/hr, depending on experience

Anticipated Hours per Week: 40 hours a week for 21 Weeks

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.