Description - External POSITION INFORMATION Number of Positions: 1 Positions: Seasonal -
Conservation Biologist III - Shorebird Conservation Program Coordinator Start Date: 12/01/2024 End Date: 03/15/2025 About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR's staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices, expertise, and a sense of place in carrying out the mission. The purpose of this position is to provide oversight and management of the biological monitoring and the protection of the Massachusetts endangered and threatened shorebird species and their habitats. Incumbents must have extensive knowledge of all the characteristics and behaviors of such endangered and threatened shorebird species. Incumbents must have the ability to guide and deal tactfully with others to plan and assign work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of team members and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and evaluations; determining team members training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating team members to work effectively. The incumbent will be assigned and provide regional coverage or statewide if necessary, and utilization of personal vehicle may be required in exchange for mileage reimbursement at the approved rate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Qualifications Required at Hire and Minimum Entrance Requirements: Incumbents shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Ability to identify all species of beach-nesting birds by sight and sound.
- Ability to identify breeding/territorial behaviors and find nests of shorebirds.
- Ability to identify habitats preferred by nesting shorebirds.
- Have a clear working knowledge of, and adhere to the Guidelines for Managing Recreational Use on Beaches to Protect Piping Plovers, terns and their Habitats in Massachusetts
Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities
- Analyzes data from a variety of sources on endangered and threatened shorebird species to assess population trends or to make management recommendations regarding course of action for the protection and management of these rare species.
- Collects and reviews biological data through field work to obtain information relative to population trends and environmental impacts in order to make appropriate management recommendations.
- Provides biological technical assistance and information on such matters as endangered and threatened shorebird species conservation, management and research for distribution to local, state and federal agencies and the scientific community.
- Supports the agency in maintaining liaison with local, state and federal agencies for data reporting or to resolve issues related to the biological protection of the state's endangered and threatened species of shorebirds and their habitats.
- Preparing extensive technical reports for public review and managing data and other scientific records for public distribution.
- Ability to plan, design and implement scientific research and biological recovery projects relative to endangered and threatened species, including the selection of sampling design, frequency, and scientific equipment to be used to accomplish research objectives.
- Ability in writing proposals to secure funding through available grants for implementation of the program conservation objectives.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of team members and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and evaluations; determining team members' training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating team members to work effectively.
- Assist in the hiring process for seasonal staff and perform other duties as assigned
- Design and implement field research studies relative to wetland habitats and other wildlife conservation, including the selection of sampling design, frequency of sampling, and scientific equipment to be used, among others to accomplish research objectives.
- Review field studies and research projects for compliance with procedures and scientific standard s.
Qualifications: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelors degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. NOTE: Substitutions will not be permitted for the required (C) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.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.