Regional Conservation Partnership Program Habitat Consultant - Contractor

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, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife seeks applicants for the position of Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Habitat Consultant - Contract Employee.   

   

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition. 

 

This position provides habitat management technical assistance to private landowners and conservation organizations eligible for funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) (70%). The Habitat Consultant also conducts outreach, technical assistance, monitoring and other implementation support for the Southeast Pine Barrens landscape conservation project partially funded through an America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) grant (30%). Responsibilities will include developing projects to enhance, create, or restore various kinds of mature, young forest, shrubland, and wetland habitats including those that are fire influenced.

The contract employee will work under the supervision of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) Habitat Program Manager to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to landowners on identifying appropriate sites for management and restoration of a variety of habitats to improve habitat for Massachusetts state wildlife action plan species including Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, New England Cottontail, and numerous rare and declining species. Habitat management practices may include activities such as forestry practices, prescribed fire, mowing, invasives control, and other habitat management activities. Young forest, mature forest, open woodlands, fields, wetlands, and other priority habitats will be targeted as identified utilizing the RCPP focal landscapes analysis tool and other MassWildlife habitat conservation tools such as BioMap.   

Contract to run through 8/31/24 with a possibility of renewal.

Expected accomplishments and deliverables are:

1. Utilize and evaluate existing RCPP focal landscapes analysis tools, MassWildlife young forest landscape analysis GIS modeling, and other resources to help determine where maximum benefits will be obtained for priority wildlife.
2. Work with landowners to develop projects to enhance, create, and restore various habitats  including young forest; conduct site visits with landowners to discuss benefits of managing and improving habitat for priority wildlife, assess properties for NRCS wildlife habitat program opportunities, and review NRCS program application and eligibility documents; assist NRCS staff and landowners by marking practice area boundaries to ensure adequate completion of practices enrolled in contracts, and certify practice completion by contractors/landowners.
3. Inform landowners of NRCS and other funding opportunities for wildlife habitat/forestry practices through public presentations, workshops, seminars, mailings, social media posts, and email.  Identify any barriers that private landowners may have in implementing recommendations provided to them under the technical assistance.
4. Inform and educate private and public foresters, consulting biologists, NRCS Technical Service Providers (TSPs) and NRCS district and county staff, land trusts, and watershed districts on why young forest habitats are vital on today's landscape, how to identify and prioritize appropriate sites for young forest and other habitat management activities, and how to conduct biological monitoring to verify impacts of management.
5. Establish relationships with private contractors that will assist landowners with completing NRCS program contract work. Provide contractors with bid descriptions, solicit bids from contractors, lead on-site showings, follow procurement procedures for selection of contractors, and assist landowners with required environmental permits and identify any barriers limiting the ability to follow through and implement projects
6. Engage landowners and promote the use of RCPP habitat management funds for forest stand improvement and thinning, prescribed fire, mowing, and invasives control and other habitat management practices on private lands to promote forests, oak woodlands, young forest, barrens, wetlands, and other habitat important for wildlife 
7. Provide outreach to landowners and facilitate conservation actions such as invasive species control on coastal plain ponds as part of Southeast Pine Barrens landscape conservation initiative.
8. Provide technical assistance to forestry and prescribed fire teams and contribute to prescribed fire prep and partner crew activities as part of the Southeast Pine Barrens landscape conservation initiative.
9. Conduct pre and post monitoring to determine effectiveness of certain management and restoration practices, report findings, and contribute to outreach initiatives focused on project status and measurable goals as part of the Southeast Pine Barrens Conservation Initiative

 

Qualifications

1. Knowledge of forestry practices and invasive species control techniques
2. A Bachelor's degree with a major in forestry, wildlife management, or a closely related field. A minimum of four years of professional experience preferred.
3. Demonstrated ability to identify trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants commonly associated with forest and field habitats of southern New England.
4. Demonstrated ability to interpret and utilize topographic maps.
   Demonstrated experience with GPS receivers, GIS mapping, and database management to maintain accurate records.
   Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral expression and to write clearly and concisely.
   Demonstrated ability to work independently, and to work effectively with a group.
   Experience conducting biological monitoring, preferably using a variety of protocols.
5. Experience conducting outreach and providing technical assistance preferred.
6. Prescribed fire experience as basic crew member and knowledgeable of fire behavior in moderate complexity fuels of SE Mass strongly preferred.
7. MA Pesticide Applicator License Preferred. Selected candidate must be able to obtain this license within six weeks of start date.

 

This is a contract position. 1050 hours. There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.  Please submit a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in this position.  These documents must be specifically attached to the requisition for which you are applying.   A Bachelor's degree with a major in forestry, wildlife management, or a closely related field with a minimum of four years of professional experience preferred.   Demonstrated ability to identify trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants commonly associated with forest and field habitats of southern New England, with a demonstrated understanding of rare plants, native plants, and invasive exotic plants.
Demonstrated ability to identify and secure available sources of grant funding for enhancement of wildlife habitat.
Demonstrated ability to delineate wetland resource areas.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and utilize topographic maps.
Demonstrated experience with GPS receivers, GIS mapping, and database management to maintain accurate records.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral expression and to write clearly and concisely.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, to supervise other workers, and to work effectively with a group.
  Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or equivalent license from the state in which you reside.   An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.