Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is seeking qualified individuals to assist with habitat management activities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the Commonwealth, with an emphasis on the control of invasive plant species.

Under the supervision of the Restoration Ecologist and Habitat Management Crew Leader, the crew will perform fieldwork involving the identification, documentation, and treatment of invasive plant infestations. Work will focus on the application of approved herbicides, as well as the implementation of mechanical and prescribed fire treatments to restore and maintain priority natural communities for biodiversity.  The crew will also participate in vegetation and wildlife monitoring to evaluate treatment effectiveness, maintain detailed field records, and contribute to project reporting.  This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in applied habitat management, invasive species control, and wildlife conservation.

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and document invasive plant species and infestations throughout Massachusetts.
• Application of Massachusetts-approved herbicides for invasive/ undesirable plant control, ensuring compliance with all label and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and conduct mechanical vegetation treatments using brush saws, chainsaws, and related equipment, ensuring safe and effective operation.
• Assist the Prescribed Fire Team with controlled burn operations.
• Utilize GPS and GIS software (ArcGIS, ESRI FieldMaps) to map infestations, treatment areas, and monitoring plots; ensure data accuracy and consistency among crew members.
• Maintain field notebooks, photo documentation, and data records.
• Participate in biological surveys during early morning or evening hours.
• Assist with herbicide treatments on Penikese Island, requiring two multi-day overnight camping trips.
• Assist with monitoring programs, including photo points, vegetation surveys, and light trap surveys.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills and abilities)

The candidate for this position must possess the following qualifications:

• Before start date, applicant must pass the pesticide licensing exam to obtain a MA Pesticide Core Applicator License to perform job duties.
• Must be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors.
• Must have a valid drivers license to potentially drive state vehicles and trailers.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Good physical condition. Must be able to carry ~40 lbs. of field equipment. Must be able to carry a 35 – 40 lb. backpack sprayer for an extended period of time on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work independently as well as working with a team.
• Identification of common invasive plant species in Massachusetts is desirable but not required; will train.
• Previous experience with technology (GPS, Mapping, ArcGIS, FieldMaps).
• Previous coursework in the biological or environmental sciences.
• In-state travel will be required.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON THE JOB (list knowledge’s, skills and abilities)

• Prescribed Fire Training and Certification
• Invasive Plant Identification and Management Techniques, including chemical and mechanical control methods.
• Herbicide Mixing, Application, and Recordkeeping following state and federal regulations.
• Chainsaw and Brush Saw Operation and Maintenance (with formal safety training).
• GPS and GIS Data Collection and Mapping (ArcGIS, Field Maps, and related platforms).
• Vegetation Monitoring Methods, including survey design and data collection.
• Field Reporting and Documentation Skills, including photo documentation, data management, and season-end reporting.

Must be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• MA Pesticide Core Applicator (Must take and pass the MA Pesticide Core Applicator exam before the start date of the position)
• Must have a valid drivers license to potentially drive state vehicles and trailers.