Coastal Waterbird Specialist

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection, and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of Coastal Waterbird Specialist (Scientist - Contractor). This contract position is anticipated to be for 3,100 hours over a period of 1.5 to 2 years based on available funding. Hours per week may vary over the contract period depending on needs, but is not expected to exceed 40 hours/week. The hourly rate of $37.43 includes a stipend in lieu of benefits of $2.68/hour.
Duties and Responsibilities :
The Coastal Waterbird Specialist assists the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program's Coastal Waterbird Biologist with all aspects of revising and implementing the Piping Plover Statewide Habitat Conservation Plan ( https://www.mass.gov/service-details/ma-piping-plover-habitat-conservation-plan-hcp ) (Plan), including but not limited to coordinating and attending stakeholder meetings, note-taking, drafting written materials, testing systems and databases, scoping field studies, providing technical assistance to Plan participants, conducting compliance site visits, reviewing and tracking permit-related submissions, preparing the annual Piping Plover census report and the HCP annual report, and providing guidance to new potential participants
The Coastal Waterbird Specialist assists with other tasks related to management of recreational beaches and other areas providing habitat to state and/or federally listed terns and Piping Plovers.
Duties include :
1) Assist the Coastal Waterbird Biologist with revising the Piping Plover Statewide Habitat Conservation Plan;
2) Provide technical assistance to beach managers participating in the Piping Plover Statewide Habitat Conservation Plan ;
3) Assist with administering the Piping Plover Statewide Habitat Conservation Plan, including reviewing and tracking permit-related submissions and other compliance elements, conducting HCP compliance site visits, and reporting to the US Fish & Wildlife Service;
4) Conduct quality-control of statewide Piping Plover census data and prepare the annual census report;
5) Assist with other tasks related to management of Piping Plovers, terns, and beach management;
6) Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications :
• A Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation, ornithology, or a related field, and at least one year professional experience, or the equivalent, in field biology, habitat management, and/or conservation.
• Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology, research, management techniques, with a focus on birds, preferably Coastal Waterbirds.
• Experience managing and monitoring nesting shorebirds and seabirds, preferably plovers and terns.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations including those related to the Habitat Conservation Plan and the MA Endangered Species Act.
• Experience managing biological data, including quality-control and analysis.
• Experience using GIS.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with report preparation.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and organize files and documents.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Experience operating outboard motorboats.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent license from the state in which you reside.
Qualifications:
Qualifications: See Preferred Qualifications.
There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave.
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.