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.
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 Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Biologist (Contractor) to perform the following duties:
The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Diamond-backed Terrapin Biologist (Contracted Seasonal Employee). The Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Biologist (Contractor) implements targeted inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the state-threatened Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin ) , manages and analyzes data on the distribution of Diamond-backed Terrapin, provides technical guidance to landowners and land managers to implement management actions for Terrapins, and works collaboratively with partners in town government, other state agencies, and non-governmental organizations to implement and track conservation actions for Terrapins. The Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Biologist (Contractor) works in close coordination with, and is supervised by, the State Herpetologist to support inventory, research, and conservation initiatives with a specific emphasis on Buzzards Bay and the South Coast region of Bristol and Plymouth counties, Massachusetts. Further, the Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Biologist works to complement a Regional Conservation Needs (RCN)-funded initiative throughout the Northeastern States.
Responsibilities include: - Plan and conduct targeted and standardized field surveys of Diamond-backed Terrapin in Bristol and Plymouth counties, Massachusetts, in coordination with the State Herpetologist and DFW staff.
- Compile and manage field data from terrapin inventories, road surveys, and population assessments, and management actions in Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and other platforms.
- Participate in a Northeastern Terrapin Working Group developing and testing standardized survey protocols from Massachusetts to Virginia.
- Enter Terrapin and other rare species data into the Commonwealth's Heritage Hub reporting system, and assist key partners with data management to facilitate inclusion in the Commonwealth's Natural Heritage database.
- Conduct field- and boat-based habitat assessments of Terrapin habitat to identify management needs and site condition.
- Maintain and build relationships with town natural resources officials, state agency biologists, universities, and/or non-governmental organizations.
- Conduct targeted education and outreach to key constituent groups to improve management outcomes for Diamond-backed Terrapins in Massachusetts.
- Assist as needed with the transport, care, placement, and/or monitoring of injured or confiscated Terrapins.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification required at hire: - Knowledge of, and direct field experience with freshwater turtles and field survey techniques.
- Knowledge of, and direct field experience, with diamond-backed terrapin in New England.
- Knowledge of the geography and ecoregions of Massachusetts, with emphasis on estuarine and salt marsh ecosystems.
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel, Google Earth, and ArcGIS.
- Proficiency with backcountry navigation, small boats (e.g., kayaks) and GPS.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout the southeastern Massachusetts and to work independently in the field under adverse weather conditions, including mosquitoes and biting flies.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse communities and partners.
- Massachusetts Class D driver's license, or equivalent, and an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications: - Field experience with standardized Diamond-backed Terrapin protocols.
- Field experience with the turtles of New England. Open water boating experience is preferred.
- Quantitative skills in statistics and/or spatial ecology is preferred.
- Advanced studies in biology, ecology, wildlife, fisheries, forestry, or a related biological or natural resources discipline is preferred.
No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.
Anticipated Start/End Dates : April 2025 for 32 weeks. There is the possibility for extensions, contingent on funding.
Salary: $30.00 hr
Anticipated Hours per Week : 40
Qualifications: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.
