What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer25 Seasonal Aquatic Biologist I - Wachusett position at DCR- Water Supply & Protection?
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.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the wellbeing 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.
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Job Opening:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Aquatic Biologist I.
Under the direction of the Environmental Quality Group supervisor or designees, the successful applicant will assist with the aquatic biology program at Wachusett Reservoir, which conducts environmental monitoring of the public water supply, by collecting and analyzing data on plankton, nutrients, water column profiles, macrophytes, fish, and other aquatic life.
The successful applicant will:
- Participate in field surveys of Wachusett Reservoir by using water quality probes, obtaining water quality and phytoplankton samples, and processing biological samples.
- Assist with identification of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
- Participate in invasive aquatic plant management activities including surveying for invasive plants, mapping invasive plant beds, and recording plant species occurrence in the Wachusett Reservoir and watershed ponds.
- Participate in the sampling of macroinvertebrate populations and their habitat for the purpose of assessing potential impacts to drinking water quality.
- Assist with maintenance and calibration of various water quality sampling equipment.
- Assist with monitoring and developing tools to use remote sensing data (e.g. satellite imagery to detect cyanobacteria).
- Assist in compiling and entering environmental monitoring data into electronic databases using applications including R/R-Studio, Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online.
- Assist with data analysis in preparation for reports on monitoring studies.
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
