The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife has posted an opening for the State Herpetologist. Details below.
Requisition Link: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=180007TC Functional Title: State Herpetologist Official Title: Conservation Biologist IV Location: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westboro, MA Job Description State Herpetologist - (180007TC) Description 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. 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. The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of the State Herpetologist (Conservation Biologist IV). The State Herpetologist (Conservation Biologist IV) implements inventory, research and management programs to conserve the Commonwealth’s endangered, threatened and special concern reptiles and amphibians, compiles and analyzes data on the distribution of the state’s herpetofauna, especially its rare and endangered species, and provides technical guidance to DFW regulatory review staff implementing the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Duties include: 1. Compile and analyze data on rare reptile and amphibian populations and habitats, and apply these data to maintaining and updating the state’s official rare species list; review and evaluate individual species for appropriateness of inclusion on or deletion from the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) list; research taxonomy as necessary; develop listing criteria; screen rare reptile and amphibian species observation records for accuracy and completeness before acceptance into NHESP databases. Prepare species habitat maps for reptile and amphibian species. 2. Plan, supervise, and/or conduct field surveys and scientific investigations of populations of endangered, threatened and special concern reptile and amphibian species; oversee and administer short-term reptile and amphibian research and inventory projects to be contracted-out; hire and supervise seasonal staff to assist in biological surveys and research, as needed; analyze conservation research and inventory results and prepare studies, technical reports and scientific papers for publication. 3. Develop, implement, and coordinate long range habitat and population management programs for endangered reptiles and amphibians, and work with partners to research, manage, and protect important habitat areas. 4. Apply knowledge of the abundance, distribution, ecology, and management needs of rare reptiles and amphibians through participation in regulatory reviews, and protection and ecological restoration planning, and in other DFW/NHESP projects. 5. Develop and maintain professional relationships with habitat land managers, the environmental and scientific communities; develop and implement conservation partnerships to advance reptile and amphibian conservation; interact professionally with biologists at the state, regional, and national level; coordinate efforts with the DFW Fisheries & Wildlife Sections. 6. Prepare and deliver presentations, develop informational material, and conduct other targeted education and outreach to increase awareness of the status and conservation needs of the biodiversity of the Commonwealth; work with DFW/NHESP administrators to seek and obtain funding and/or other material support for reptile and amphibian conservation. 7. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required at Hire: 1. Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of herpetology and biological conservation. 2. Thorough knowledge of the identification, ecology, and habitat requirements of a component of the herpetofauna of the northeastern U.S. (especially rare species) and some knowledge of the geography and ecoregions of Massachusetts. 3. Demonstrated experience with GIS technology and ability to read topographic maps. 4. Experience with or knowledge of NatureServe/Natural Heritage methodology. 5. Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively. 6. Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of people. 7. Willingness to travel extensively throughout the state and to work in the field under adverse weather conditions. Preferred qualification: M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Biology, Ecology, or related discipline. A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, resource protection, regulatory procedures preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelors degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) 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, or equivalent license from the state in which you reside, may be required. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Official Title: Conservation Biologist IV Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Westborough-Rabbit Hill Road Job: Science Agency: Department of Fish And Game Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day Job Posting: Nov 21, 2018, 4:56:27 PM Number of Openings: 1 Salary: 63,535.42 - 92,375.40 Yearly If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Johanna Zabriskie - 617-626-1599 Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists Confidential: No Please note that requisitions (former Posting IDs) will remain open for 90 days; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days of the posting. The MassCareers job posting is available by clicking on the Requisition Link. Division and Work Unit managers please ensure that these announcements are posted in a location for staff to view. The Department of Fish and Game is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer
