Overview

Official Title Scientists
Primary Location United States-Massachusetts-Westborough-Rabbit Hill Road
Job Science
Agency Department of Fish And Game
Schedule Full-time
Number of Openings 2
Salary 32.17  33.85 Hourly


The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state’s natural resources and people’s right to the 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.

BioMap, a joint project of MassWildlife and the MA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, is a framework for strategic protection and stewardship of those lands and waters that are most important for ensuring a climate-resilient landscape that protects the Commonwealth’s rich natural heritage for now, and for future generations.  An updated BioMap will be released in Fall 2022.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting resumes and applications for the position of BioMap Outreach Specialist – Contractor assigned to the Field Headquarters / 1 Rabbit Hill Road / Westborough, MA.

This position is anticipated to be a term-limited, one-year contract position. Salary assumes 1,600 hours over 10 months with an added stipend instead of benefits of $2.68/hour which has been included in the hourly rate. This is a seasonal contractor position with no benefits, except earned sick leave. The position is assigned to the MassWildlife Headquarters located in Westboro and follows a hybrid model involving a mix of remote and in-person work. This posting is for up to two contractor positions.

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

The BioMap Outreach Specialist is responsible for a wide range of outreach activities related to the rollout of the updated BioMap conservation planning tool. Responsibilities include developing, scheduling, promoting, and leading in-person and online programming and events; analyzing user groups and audience segments and developing communications plan to reach diverse audiences; providing individualized consultations and technical assistance to BioMap users; developing and improving written communications materials and tutorials (print and online); conducting media outreach related to BioMap; educating users about new and enhanced BioMap features including local scaling; engaging with environmental justice and underserved communities to identify opportunities for alignment with community goals and needs to ensure the relevancy of BioMap to all Massachusetts communities; develop relationships with key partners who will help publicize and educate their constituents about the updated BioMap.  The BioMap Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Assistant Director for the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program and will work closely with personnel from the Outreach and Education Section of MassWildlife.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Work with Natural Heritage and Outreach and Education personnel to develop one-year communication and outreach plan for the updated BioMap.
  2. Develop, schedule, promote, and lead creative and engaging in-person and online programming to help potential users understand how to use the updated BioMap.
  3. Develop and improve written communications materials and tutorials (print and online), including enhancements to the interactive BioMap website.
  4. Provide technical assistance and individualized consultations to BioMap users (e.g. land trusts, municipalities, and other government agencies).
  5. Engage with communities throughout the Commonwealth, including environmental justice and underserved communities, to explore the relevance of BioMap and provide technical assistance that aligns with community needs, supports community goals, and provides equitable access to BioMap resources for all Massachusetts communities.
  6. Track public engagement around BioMap and develop measures to track the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
  7. Conduct user testing of various web components, including the online mapping tool, and work with the BioMap team to recommend modifications to the user interface; work with MassWidlife’s Human Dimensions specialist on surveys, and/or other tools to assess user engagement and satisfaction with BioMap.
  8. Conduct media outreach related to BioMap.
  9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills Preferred at Hire 

  • Excellent verbal and writing skills
  • Experience with social media tools, techniques, and analysis
  • Experience writing and editing content for websites
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Experience working with diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at a time
  • GIS knowledge and experience
  • Knowledge of the MA landscape and communities
  • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility
  • Ability to work effectively both with a group and independently
  • Knowledge of fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology, botany, ecology, or conservation planning
  • Experience with land use and/or open space planning preferred

 Notes:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license by start date (Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license)
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings regularly

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.


Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on 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.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action, or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie  6176261282