Seasonal Service Forestry Assistant - Amherst

Position Information: Seasonal Forestry Assistant 40 Cold Storage Drive, Amherst 11/10/24 - 3/15/25 Number of vacancies: 1 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. ABOUT THE AGENCY: The Department of Conservation and Recreation's mission is to protect, promote and enhance our Commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR's staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission. About Conservation and Resource Stewardship: DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship of our Commonwealth's unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster a culture of stewardship. In addition, DCR has conservation programs that enhance and protect natural resources throughout the Commonwealth. DCR's Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control offers programs, technical assistance, and grants for landowners in Massachusetts for the stewardship of our forests, both rural and urban, to conserve forests, maintain clean air and water, and enhance wildlife habitat for future generations. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Service Forestry Assistant. Seasonal positions may be subject to the recall process and will be filled in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, positions not filled using this process will be interviewed for. General Duties of Seasonal Service Forestry Assistants: Seasonal Service Forestry Assistants help perform the necessary and fundamental tasks for the Service Forestry Program which provides outreach and education to private landowners and municipalities to aid them in making educated decisions about their woodlots, as well as protecting our valuable forest resources through fair and consistent application of environmental regulations. Seasonal Service Forestry Assistants may work in both an office and field environment. The field environment includes work in all types of weather, work in isolated areas, and travel for job-related purposes. Must be an independent worker with solid computer and writing skills, good people skills, as well as some forestry field experience. Specific Duties of the Seasonal Service Forestry Assistant: * Support DCR staff with project planning for the development of new programs and initiatives and track progress against plans * Assist DCR personnel with preparation of projects for review under the US Endangered Species Act * Assist DCR staff in the field review of practices for improved bird habitat, forest resilience, or forest carbon * Support DCR staff with communication and surveys efforts with landowners and stakeholders * Assist service forestry staff in preparing for outreach events and meetings * Assist DCR staff with interpretive signage and panels * Assist service forestry staff with mailing lists, mail merges and other preparatory work The position may also include some or all of the following: * Assist DCR staff with field and office review of forest management plans and forest cutting plans prepared by private foresters as well as applications for practices to improve forest resilience. * Assist DCR staff with collection and maintenance of GIS data and projects, including forest cutting plan data. * Assist DCR staff with data collection, entry, processing, and analysis, using a variety of methods and tools, including field computers. * Assist DCR staff with interim site visits to active timber harvests to ensure regulatory compliance * Assist DCR staff with other Service forestry duties as assigned, including but not limited to office tasks. 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) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required experience.* * Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! 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.

Created: 2024-11-03