Seasonal Botany Technician

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DFG:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.

Job Description:

The Botany Technician will work closely with the MassWildlife's Conservation Planning Botanist to review rare plant records and map their habitats using ArcGIS. Other duties may include participating in rare plant surveys, monitoring associated with management activities, and assisting with other tasks related to conservation of rare plants and preparation of the Natural Heritage Atlas.

This is a short-term contract position for up to 454 hours of work over a period of up to 5 months from the start date. The Botany Technician will be provided with a state computer and will be expected to work 2 to 3 days a week on average, with a tentative work schedule to be determined prior to start. The Botany Technician will be based out of MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough and is expected to meet with a supervisor in the office at least once a week. On other days work can be done remotely.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
• Under the guidance of the Conservation Planning Botanist, compile data on rare plant populations and habitats; screen rare plant species observation records for accuracy and completeness before acceptance into the Natural Heritage database; and use ArcGIS to map habitat for state-listed plants.
• Assist with other tasks related to conservation of rare plants and preparation of the Natural Heritage Atlas.
• Participate in field surveys and scientific investigations of populations of endangered, threatened and special concern plant species.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Conservation Planning Botanist or the Conservation Science Program Manager.
• Maintain professional relationships with other agency staff, land managers, and the environmental and scientific communities.
• Ability to work 16-40 hours per week with some flexibility in scheduling.

• Knowledge of the principles of botany, ecology, and conservation biology, or clear interest in protection of rare species.
• Demonstrated experience with GIS technology and ability, or willingness to learn, to read topographic maps and aerial photographs.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people, including ability to work as part of a team.
• Completion of a degree in zoology, botany, ecology, or related discipline, equivalent to a Bachelor's in Science.

• Knowledge of Massachusetts rare species, their habitat requirements, and regulatory protections.
• Knowledge of the Natural Heritage database and processes associated with rare plant record reviews and habitat mapping.