Overview

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.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on the environmental impacts of proposed projects on species protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) and their habitats. Provide guidance to project proponents and their consultants on the legal requirements of MESA and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00), including obtaining Conservation and Management Permits to authorize take of state-listed rare species. Review and negotiate proposed avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures to ensure compliance with MESA. Follow-up to ensure compliance with issued permits as needed.
• Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on Notices of Intent under the rare species provisions of the Wetland Protection Act (WPA), and Environmental Notification Forms and Environmental Impact Reports submitted under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), regarding impacts on rare species and their habitats.  .
• Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on Forest Cutting Plans under the Forest Cutting Practices Act regarding impacts of forestry activities on rare species and their habitats.
• Review, conduct site visits and prepare written comments on habitat management plans in rare species habitat and provide feedback to DFW, other state agencies, and external conservation partners.
• Respond to data release requests from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its programs, evaluate draft NRCS habitat management plans, conduct necessary site visits and attend NRCS committee meetings as relevant to rare species, and work proactively with NRCS to address rare species concerns as they relate to agricultural practices.
• Extract relevant information from DFW’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program’s rare species records, computer databases, rare species occurrence maps, and consult with DFW biologists and other experts concerning potential rare species impacts.
• Coordinate with other DFW sections and relevant local, state or federal agencies where appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities):

• Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in conservation biology.
• Knowledge of the characteristics and habitats of endangered and threatened species.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of endangered and threatened species habitat management.
• Knowledge of agricultural and forestry practices.
• Bachelor’s degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, conservation biology, or related field.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to analyze, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations from applicable  rare species information.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
• Ability to prepare general and technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in zoology, botany, wildlife management, conservation biology or a closely related discipline.
• Previous professional experience in habitat impact assessment, environmental law and or land use regulation.
• Academic training and demonstrated expertise in applied conservation, especially the conservation of endangered species and their habitat.
• Excellent analytical ability and negotiating skills.
• Excellent skills in verbal communication and technical writing.
• Experience with GIS, aerial photography and topographic maps.
• Ability to work effectively on a number of projects simultaneously with a minimum of supervision and ability to meet firm deadlines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel and ArcView software.