Seasonal ACEC & Environmental Stewardship Assistant

The mission of DCR's Office of Natural Resources is to To conserve, protect, and enhance the biodiversity, climate change resiliency, and ecological functions and values of our common wealth of natural resources. DCR is the single most important landowner and protector of biodiversity in Massachusetts, managing over 450,000 acres that provide habitats for more than 275 state-listed rare species. In addition to important rare species habitats, DCR properties have extraordinary ecological features, such as 875 certified vernal pools, 75 different natural community types and 30 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Office of Natural Resources is comprised of the program's director, three ecologists,our seasonal bat biologist, and a natural resources technical assistant. Together, the Natural Resources team works to protect the capacity of DCR properties to support native and rare plant and animal species, their habitats, important ecological resources, and the natural processes on which they depend. This position will provide support to the Natural Resource team by: coordinating DCR's Research Permitting Program, assisting with or reviewing environmental permit applications, preparing GIS maps, assisting with field assessments (wetland/wildlife/invasive plants) and permitting, drafting responses to public requests, and participating in invasive management events. Duties and Responsibilities: Coordinates the Research Permitting Program by processing and tracking applications, providing initial review and comments, responding to inquiries, coordinating internal staff reviews, preparing permits, and following up on permits with field research conducted on DCR lands to improve compliance. Organizes and maintains office files, publications, maps, correspondence, resource information, and permit files. Conducts initial reviews resource management plans, including coordinating the public review and participation process. Drafts responses to public inquiries regarding research permitting, natural resources activities, and ACEC Program, existing designations, and program regulations and policies. Coordinates scheduling and planning of occasional meetings with volunteers, partners, stakeholders, town officials, agencies, and interested parties concerning Natural Resources planning and stewardship. Attends occasional Natural Resources meeting and prepares meeting minutes and notes for the Program Director, as needed. Assists the Natural Resources Team with environmental assessments, including preparation of GIS maps and occasional field work. Assists with reviews of proposed Green Docket projects and drafts written comments and recommendations Participates in field surveys and with invasive management projects as requested by the Team. Qualifications Required ar Hire (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology used in Natural & Cultural Resource Stewardship Knowledge of the environmental, ecological, and natural resources of Massachusetts. Knowledge of the methods of general report writing. Knowledge of ArcGIS and ESRI software to collect data and prepare maps. Ability to multitask and manage multiple tasks effectively. Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of planning data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations. Ability to read and interpret such documents as regional plans, environmental research proposals, and stewardship plans. Ability to gather information by networking and examining records and documents. Ability to assemble items of information according to established procedures. Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information. Ability to compile data, draft correspondence, maintain accurate records, and work with names, numbers, codes, and symbols. Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in written and oral expression. Ability to deal tactfully with others and establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and /or economic backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationship with others. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to evaluate proposals, permit applications, project designs, and other reports and documents prepared by others for conformance to guidelines, policies, laws, regulations and sound natural resources management principles. This is a seasonal positions that expects to begin on or around December 5, 2021 and end on March 12, 2022. 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, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, 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 may be required . An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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