GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
These two positions will work primarily with the Natural Resources Program on floral and fauna surveys, as well as habitat management, training improvement projects, and training assessments on Camp Edwards, located on Cape Cod. The incumbent must be able to work effectively and in cooperation with co-workers and other military and civilian personnel. T wo Conservation Technicians will be hired as seasonal contract positions running from 7 May 2023 – 23 September 2023 working 40 hours/week $20 per hour. Housing is available at low cost. If you are unable to start or finish the term to completion due to college, please add this to your cover letter.
Incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Conservation Field Specialist. Incumbent periodically completes other tasks as assigned from the Natural Resource Manager in direct support of agency needs. The Conservation Biologists, LRAM/TRI Coordinator,Wildland Fire Program Coordinator or Training Lands Field Specialist may also periodically assign tasks.
Conservation Duties: Primary conservation/natural resource projects will focus on invertebrate, vegetation, and herpetological surveys. Habitat management using mechanical and manual removal of invasive and nuisance plant species will also be conducted this year.
Invertebrate surveys: Monitor roadway puddles and vernal pools for presence of clam shrimp (Conchostraca), specifically looking for the state-endangered Agassiz’ Clam Shrimp (Elumnadia agassizii). Follow protocol to record site characteristics and faunal associations. Conduct surveys for various lepidopterans such as for Barrens Buckmoth (Hemileuca maia) and Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) in order to document habitat, presence or absence, and abundance using various techniques such as photography and UV light surveys.
Vegetation Surveys: Conduct annual surveys for two state-listed rare plant species and be familiar with a suite of watch list plants to facilitate detection and monitoring. Complete vegetation surveys using various methods. Be familiar with and use the MA Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program’s (NHESP) key to classify natural communities. Use dichotomous keys to identify plants to species and be aware of MA state-listed invasive plant species, including species requiring early detection and rapid response.
Herpetological surveys: Monitor Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) using telemetry and radio transmitters to avoid impacts from ongoing projects. Take morphometric data and perform general health assessments when appropriate. Collect data on incidental observations of box turtles or any other listed or tracking list species. Follow strict disinfection protocol during all herpetological surveys to avoid the potential spread of pathogens.
Habitat Management: Assist on restoration and improvement projects to improve training areas or native habitat. Mechanically remove vegetation (by hand, with line trimmers, loppers, weed wrenches or brush saws) for habitat management and invasive species removal.
Integrated Training Area Management Duties: ITAM projects focus on training area/land management for the ITAM program. These duties will be secondary to assisting Natural Resource staff for conservation/natural resource projects. Integrated Training Area Management: Assess the suitability and/or condition of military training areas. Complete various projects to maintain and improve training/maneuver areas and trails. Manage vegetation that may hinder training or maneuver, incorporating fire, mechanical control. Mechanical methods may include chainsaws, line trimmers, loppers, weed wrenches, or brush saws. Assist on restoration projects to improve training areas or restore native habitat.
General Duties and Responsibilities: Technicians will also need to know or be able to be instructed on how to use a GPS, cameras, densitometers, compasses, maps, radios, and other field equipment. Vehicle checks, equipment maintenance and data entry will also be the responsibility of technicians under the supervision of the Field Crew Leader. Technicians may perform annual nightjar monitoring surveys and assist with nightjar mist-netting efforts. Other wildlife projects may include vernal pool surveys, amphibian acoustics, American Woodcock surveys, pollinator sampling, grassland bird and other bird surveys, camera trap predator surveys, and monitoring the nesting box program.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledges, skills, abilities)
1.Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology.
2.Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in natural resources.
3.Knowledge of local flora and fauna.
4.Knowledge of floristic survey techniques.
5.Knowledge of radiotelemetry to track wildlife.
6.Ability to maintain accurate records.
7.Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
8.Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
9.Ability to exercise sound judgment.
10.Ability to work independently.
11.Ability to deal tactfully with others.
12.Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
13.Ability to operate 4×4 vehicles on dirt roads.
14.Ability to lift and carry heavy objects up to 45 pounds.
15.Ability to work in the field for long hours and under sometimes harsh conditions, especially in full summer heat and humidity, atnight, or under extreme cold conditions.
16.Ability and willingness to work during the evenings, early mornings, weekends are required of this position.
17.Ability to stand and walk for long periods and in remote settings.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Completion of, or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Botany or related discipline preferred, but not required. At least one field season of on-the-job experience preferred, but not required. Knowledge of southern New England flora and fauna preferred. Ability to work as part of a team required. Fieldwork is required in all weather conditions and in challenging terrain. All positions require a driver’s license and safe driving record, the ability to safely operate 4×4 vehicles on dirt roads, and the ability to work effectively and in cooperation with co-workers and other military and civilian personnel. Other desirable experience includes chainsaw, herbicide application, forest inventory, radiotelemetry, rare species monitoring for construction projects, invertebrate identification, plant identification and independent field experience.
This posting will be utilized to fill two positions. The technicians will work together on most projects, with some work with the ITAM staff and other technicians when time permits.
Please submit a cover letter and resume as attachments to your application. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Madden, Training Lands Field Specialist, at Nicole.Madden@mass.gov or via phone at 339-202-9357.
Qualifications:
Comprehensive Benefits
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Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
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.