What are the responsibilities and job description for the Short Term Seasonal Forestry Assistant - State Lands Forest Management - Amherst position at DCR - Urban Parks & Recreation?
Position Information:
Short term Seasonal Forestry Assistant
40 Cold Storage Drive, Amherst
05/18/25 - 08/09/25 (12 weeks)
Number of vacancies: 2
Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert
to a short-term position.
Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert
to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview
phase of the process.
ABOUT THE AGENCY: The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance
our Commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR 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 that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out
the mission.
About Conservation and Resource Stewardship: DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship
of our Commonwealth’s unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources
and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to
ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster
a culture of stewardship.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Management
Forestry Assistant.
General Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:
Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants help perform the necessary and fundamental tasks for DCR to be good
stewards of the land under its charge.
Works outdoors in all types of weather; works in isolated areas; may be exposed to the hazards of power tools and
equipment such as chainsaws and hoists; and travels for job-related purposes. Often times the work is independent, and
the use of a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursed consistent with collective bargaining agreements will be required if
a state vehicle is not assigned, or an assigned state vehicle breaks down, is disabled, or reassigned.
Assists in the inventory of natural resources; the establishment and maintenance of state forest boundary lines; the
interpretation of aerial photos; the preparation of plans and reports; the use of GIS and GPS; and in the performance of
cartographic work related to forest management.
Assists in planning and supervision of forest management projects by state forest crews and private contractors.
Assists in the sale of forest products including preparing silvicultural prescriptions, ensuring timber harvesting occurs at a
high standard and ensuring contractual compliance by private contractors.
Cooperates with state and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters such as forest fires, wind or ice
storms, and insect infestations.
Performs related duties such as maintaining records, submitting time sheets or mileage logs, and attending staff
meetings.
Specific Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:
The position will include some or all of these specific duties:
- Assist DCR staff with forest management project preparation, boundary line location, and timber marking.
- Assist DCR staff with inventory of natural resources, including but not limited to: Measurement of continuous forest
- Design of sampling plans and collection and analysis of pre- and post-management stand examination data.
- Measurement of trees, understory vegetation, down woody material, and forest floor; and assessment of site- and stand level characteristics.
- Use of GPS and GIS to assist in planning work and navigation in the field.
- Assist DCR staff with collection and maintenance of GIS data and projects, to include cutting plans for service forestry.
- Assist DCR staff with data collection, entry, processing, and analysis, using a variety of methods and tools, including field
- Assist DCR staff with compliance checks associated with private vendors working on DCR managed lands. Examples
- Assist DCR staff with other management forestry duties as assigned, including but not limited to office tasks.
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
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!
