Natural Resources Technician
: Job Details :

The Massachusetts Military Division is seeking a seasonal contractor for the role of Natural Resources Technician for the period of February 23rd, 2025 to September 20th, 2025. The selected candidate will join the Massachusetts Army National Guard's (MA-ARNG) Natural Resources and the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program and will carry out floral and faunal surveys, habitat management, and training land improvement projects on Camp Edwards. There is a potential for housing on site at an affordable rate.

The Natural Resources Technician will work under the direct supervision of the Conservation Field Specialist and the Training Lands Field Specialist, periodically completing other tasks as assigned from other Natural Resources staff in direct support of agency needs.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive)

Natural Resources Surveys:

Primary survey efforts focus on herpetological, avian, invertebrate, and vegetation.

Herpetological Surveys: Monitor Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) and other rare reptiles using radio telemetry and/or traps to avoid impacts from ongoing projects and training. Take morphometric data and perform general health assessments when appropriate. Collect data on incidental observations of any listed or tracking list species for reporting to Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Avian Surveys: Conduct point count surveys for Whip-Poor-Wills (Antrostomus vociferous) in order to monitor population trends in response to habitat management efforts.

Invertebrate Surveys: Monitor roadway puddles and vernal pools for presence of clam shrimp, specifically looking for the state-endangered Agassiz' Clam Shrimp (Elumnadia agassizii). Conduct surveys for various lepidopterans such as Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Barrens Buckmoth (Hemileuca maia) and Frosted Elfin (Calophyrus irus) in order to document habitat, occupancy, abundance, or host plant populations.

Vegetation Surveys: Conduct vegetation surveys to assess the effects of fire management, impacts from military training, and monitor restoration projects. Conduct surveys on rare plants such as Broad Tinker's-weed (Triosteum perfoliatum) and Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum pusillum) and be familiar with a suite of special status plants to facilitate detection and monitoring.

Other surveys and natural resources conservation tasks will be conducted as needed in order to support the MA-ARNG Natural Resource's mission.

Training Lands Management and Conservation:

Primary projects focus on habitat management, training land improvements, prescribed fire, and condition assessment for trails and training areas.

Integrated Training Area Management: Acquire an MDAR Core Applicators License for pesticide application (on job), and assist with herbicide application to control invasive species for habitat management. Mechanically and manually remove vegetation and assist on restoration projects to improve training areas or restore native habitat. Assess vegetation, soil, and other conditions relative to soldier training and land management.

Prescribed Fire: Complete fire trainings S-130/190, L-180, I-100/700 and become certified as a Firefighter Type 2 (on job). Assist in prescribed burn efforts as part of a larger team at Camp Edwards and at partner locations. Aid in pre and post burn operations such as fire cache and equipment maintenance, burn unit preparation, and post burn monitoring. May participate in wildland fire activities as qualified. Must meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group training and annual work capacity test requirement for any position held on the fireline.

ABOUT OUR AGENCY

The Massachusetts Guard has a unique dual mission, with both federal and state responsibilities. During peacetime, Guard forces are commanded by the Governor through the State Adjutant General. The Governor can call the Guard into action during local or state-wide emergencies, such as storms, floods, blizzards, and civil disturbances. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the Massachusetts National Guard to participate in federal missions. The Massachusetts National Guard's mission is to be trained and ready to provide units that can mobilize for any contingency, at home or abroad. To accomplish this, we must sustain a ready, reliable, and robust joint military team of Army, Air Force and civilians that will honor our responsibilities to nation and community. The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Massachusetts National Guard consists of both the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the Massachusetts Air National Guard. We are composed of full-time and part-time Soldiers and Airmen, as well as civilians, who together serve the Commonwealth and country.

Desired Qualifications

* Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology.

* Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in natural resources.

* Ability to accurately collect field data and enter it into various electronic databases.

* Knowledge of species identification, resources, and taxonomy.

* Ability to maintain accurate records.

* Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

* Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.

* Ability to exercise sounds judgment.

* Ability to work independently and in group settings.

* Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others including coworkers, civilians, and military personnel.

* Ability to work in the field for long hours under sometimes harsh conditions, especially in full summer heat and humidity, at night, or under seasonally cold conditions.

* Ability and willingness to work during evenings, early mornings, or weekends occasionally as required by project.

* Ability to stand and walk for long periods in remote settings.

* Safe driving record and ability to drive on dirt roads.

* Ability to use and maintain a variety of equipment including 4x4 vehicles, UTVS, hand tools, environmental survey equipment, and power equipment such as woodchippers and brush mowers.

Other Desirable Qualifications and Experience

* Prescribed fire experience

* Herbicide application experience

* Knowledge of forest inventory

* Rare species monitoring for construction projects

* Aquatic invertebrate identification

* Local flora knowledge

* Independent field experience

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIRMENTS

Completion of, or pursing a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Botany or related discipline. At least one field season of on-the-job experience.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRMENTS

Incumbents are required to have a current and valid driver's license.

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

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

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.