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Form of workSeasonal Aquatic Biologist I
Position: Aquatic Biologist I
Start Date: April 7, 2024
End Date: October 19, 2024
Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.
Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Aquatic Biologist I.
Duties:
Under the direction of the Environmental Quality Group supervisor or designees, the successful applicant will assist with the aquatic biology program at Wachusett Reservoir, which conducts environmental monitoring of the public water supply, by collecting and analyzing data on plankton, nutrients, water column profiles, macrophytes, fish, and other aquatic life.
The successful applicant will:
Participate in field surveys of Wachusett Reservoir by using water quality probes, obtaining water quality and phytoplankton samples, and processing biological samples.
Assist with identification of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Participate in invasive aquatic plant management activities including surveying for invasive plants, mapping invasive plant beds, and recording plant species occurrence in the Wachusett Reservoir and watershed ponds.
Participate in the sampling of macroinvertebrate populations and their habitat for the purpose of assessing potential impacts to drinking water quality.
Assist with maintenance and calibration of various water quality sampling equipment.
Assist with monitoring and developing tools to use remote sensing data (e.g. satellite imagery to detect cyanobacteria).
Assist in compiling and entering environmental monitoring data into electronic databasesusing applications including R/R-Studio, Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online.
Assist with data analysis in preparation for reports on monitoring studies.
Perform other related duties as required.
Willingness to perform field tasks in various natural landscapes and in potentially inclement weather is essential. While not required, small boat operation and canoe paddling experience is advantageous as is identification of freshwater aquatic macrophytes, zooplankton, and cyanobacteria.
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelors or higher degree with a major in marine, fisheries, or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management, marine science or oceanography may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license. 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
