Seasonal Fisheries Technician

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.

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

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Seasonal Fisheries Technician (Contract Position - six months, estimate early April start).  The position is assigned to the MassWildlife Headquarters located in Westborough. 

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), seeks applicants for the seasonal contractor position of Fisheries Technician.  The position is assigned to the DFW Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA.   Field activities will be conducted throughout the state and will be in cooperation with Field Headquarters and District staff.   The estimated duration of this seasonal assignment is from around May 15, 2024 thru November 15, 2024. Dates may change based on program need and or applicant availability. There are no benefits associated with these positions - except earned sick leave.

This position is anticipated to be a term-limited six-month contract position. Salary assumes 940 hours over a period of six months. This is a contract position with no benefits other than earned sick leave. Salary: 20.00 - 23.00 Hourly.

Duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1.       Bathymetric assessments of lakes and ponds;

2.       Fish community surveys on lakes, ponds, streams and rivers including gill netting, trap netting, electrofishing, and seining

3.       Record keeping, data entry

4.       Equipment maintenance

5.       Creel surveys

6.       Other duties as assigned

The Seasonal Fisheries Technician will perform various manual tasks related to field operations and fisheries sampling throughout the Commonwealth.  Incumbents will work out of the division of fisheries and wildlife field headquarters in Westborough but may assist technicians working out of any of the 5 district offices in Massachusetts.  This person's work will be carried out in the field or at the field headquarters.
 

The tasks associated with this position involve significant physical work and exertion at times in all types of weather. The incumbent must be able to traverse irregular and remote terrain with up to 40 pounds of heavy field equipment for distances of 3 miles or more, in the presence of biting insects and ticks. Daily working hours will not be the standard 9 am to 5 pm, and may include early morning, late evening and weekend work. Applicant must have their own transportation to travel to and from work.  This position will be based out of the field headquarters in Westborough with work conducted throughout the state in conjunction with district offices.  A state vehicle will be provided for all work-related activities. A current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or equivalent license from the state in which you reside is required, and an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

1.    Previous experience conducting fisheries surveys and wading in streams.

2.    Ability to identify fish species common in southern New England.

3.     Experience operating boats in a variety of water and weather conditions.

4.     Basic map and compass skills, ability to use handheld GPS units, experience with GIS applications highly desirable.

5.     Highly motivated, ability to work in a team setting and to work independently, excellent communication skills.

6.     Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Access, Excel, and Word.

7.   Knowledge, experience in the following areas : Biology, Fisheries Science, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Zoology.

8.    Mechanical aptitude

9.    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

10. Positive attitude, strong work ethic with great attention to detail, and a strong interest in natural resource management.

Preferences is to who is pursuing or completed a degree or have experience in the biological sciences(Biology, Fisheries Science, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Zoology). Please see the Preferred Qualifications for details.

A current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or equivalent license from the state in which you reside is required, and an acceptable driving record.

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.