What are the responsibilities and job description for the Freshwater Turtle Conservation Biologist - Contractor position at Department of Fish And Game?
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 are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.
MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth, including endangered plants and animals. MassWildlife restores, protects, and manages land for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy.
A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.
Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game, MassWildlife seeks applicants for a Freshwater Turtle Conservation Biologist (Contractor) to perform the following duties:
The Freshwater Turtle Conservation Biologist implements targeted inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the Commonwealth’s endangered, threatened, special concern, and federally “at-risk” turtles, manages and analyzes data on the distribution of freshwater turtles, provides technical guidance to landowners and land managers to implement management actions for rare turtle species, and works collaboratively with partners in town government, other state agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and non-governmental organizations to implement and track conservation actions for freshwater turtles. The Freshwater Turtle Conservation Biologist works in close coordination with, and is supervised by, the State Herpetologist to support research and conservation initiatives that are supported by Section 6 and Competitive State Wildlife Grants from the USFWS. 1880 hours over a calendar year (full time). There is the possibility for extensions, contingent on funding. Hourly rate is $37.00/hour (which includes $2.68 per hour payment in lieu of benefits). This is a contractor position with no benefits except earned sick leave.
Duties include:
1. Assist the State Herpetologist with the implementation of the Northern Red-bellied Cooter headstarting program, including nest protection and landowner trainings/outreach, and research and monitoring of wild populations.
2. Plan and conduct targeted and standardized field surveys of endangered, threatened, and special concern freshwater turtle populations statewide, funded through ResilientMA or federal grants (e.g., Section 6, CSWG, or other) in coordination with the State Herpetologist and DFW staff.
3. Compile and manage field data from inventories, road surveys, and population assessments, and management actions. Enter relevant data into the Commonwealth’s “Heritage Hub” reporting system, review submitted rare species records, and assist key partners with data management to facilitate inclusion in the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage database. Assist with habitat mapping in ArcGIS.
4. Implement and coordinate habitat and population management programs under the supervision of the State Herpetologist.
5. Maintain and build relationships with town natural resources officials, state agency biologists, USFWS biologists, universities, and/or non-governmental organizations. Track non-federal sources of match, where appropriate.
6. Conduct targeted education and outreach to key constituent groups to improve management outcomes for turtles of conservation concern.
7. Assist as needed with the transport, care, placement, and/or monitoring of confiscated turtles.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required at Hire:
1. Knowledge of, and direct field experience with the freshwater turtles of New England.
2. Knowledge of the geography and ecoregions of Massachusetts.
3. Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Excel, Google Earth, and ArcGIS.
4. Proficiency with backcountry navigation and GPS.
5. Willingness to travel extensively throughout the Commonwealth and to work in the field under adverse weather conditions.
6. Ability to write clearly and effectively.
7. Ability to interact effectively with diverse communities and partners.
8. Class D Driver’s License, or equivalent, and an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
Field experience with multiple at-risk species (e.g., Wood, Blanding’s, Bog, or Spotted Turtles and/or the Northern Red-bellied Cooter) is strongly preferred. Direct experience with regional working groups for Wood, Spotted, Blanding’s, Bog Turtle is preferred. Experience locating and protecting turtle nests is preferred. Quantitative skills in statistics and/or spatial ecology is preferred.
No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.
Anticipated Start/End Dates: April 2025
Salary: $37.00 hr (including $2.68 per hour Payment in Lieu of Benefits)
Anticipated Hours per Week: 40
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
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.
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Salary : $3 - $37
