GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will join the Massachusetts Army National Guard's (MA-ARNG) Natural Resources and the Integrated Training Area Management(ITAM) Program and will carry out floral and faunal surveys, habitat management, and training land improvement projects on Camp Edwards. This is a contract position from 23 February 2025- 20 September 2025. There is a potential for housing on site at an affordable rate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Conservation Field Specialist and the Training Lands Field Specialist. Incumbent periodically completes other tasks as assigned from other Natural Resources staff in direct support of agency needs.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Natural Resources Surveys:

Primary survey efforts focus on herpetological, avian, invertebrate, and vegetation.

Herpetological Surveys:

Monitor Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) and other rare reptiles using radio telemetry and/or traps to avoid impacts from ongoing projects and training. Take morphometric data and perform general health assessments when appropriate. Collect data on incidental observations of any listed or tracking list species for reporting to Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Avian Surveys:

Conduct point count surveys for Whip-Poor-Wills (Antrostomus vociferous) in order to monitor population trends in response to habitat management efforts.

Invertebrate Surveys:

Monitor roadway puddles and vernal pools for presence of clam shrimp, specifically looking for the state-endangered Agassiz' Clam Shrimp (Elumnadia agassizii). Conduct surveys for various lepidopterans such as Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Barrens Buckmoth (Hemileuca maia) and Frosted Elfin (Calophyrus irus) in order to document habitat, occupancy, abundance, or host plant populations.

Vegetation Surveys:

Conduct vegetation surveys to assess the effects of fire management, impacts from military training, and monitor restoration projects. Conduct surveys on rare plants such as Broad Tinker's-weed (Triosteum perfoliatum) and Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum pusillum) and be familiar with a suite of special status plants to facilitate detection and monitoring.

Other surveys and natural resources conservation tasks will be conducted as needed in order to support the MA-ARNG Natural Resource's mission.

Training Lands Management and Conservation:

Primary projects focus on habitat management, training land improvements, prescribed fire, and condition assessment for trails and training areas.

Integrated Training Area Management:

Acquire an MDAR Core Applicators License for pesticide application (on job), and assist with herbicide application to control invasive species for habitat management. Mechanically and manually remove vegetation and assist on restoration projects to improve training areas or restore native habitat. Assess vegetation, soil, and other conditions relative to soldier training and land management.

Prescribed Fire:

Complete fire trainings S-130/190, L-180, I-100/700 and become certified as a Firefighter Type 2 (on job). Assist in prescribed burn efforts as part of a larger team at Camp Edwards and at partner locations. Aid in pre and post burn operations such as fire cache and equipment maintenance, burn unit preparation, and post burn monitoring. May participate in wildland fire activities as qualified. Must meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group training and annual work capacity test requirement for any position held on the fireline.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

1.Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology.

2.Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in natural resources.

3.Ability to accurately collect field data and enter it into various electronic databases.

4.Knowledge of species identification, resources, and taxonomy.

5.Ability to maintain accurate records.

6.Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

7.Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.

8.Ability to exercise sounds judgment.

9.Ability to work independently and in group settings.

10. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

11. Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles on dirt roads.

12. Ability to work in the field for long hours and under sometimes harsh conditions, especially in full summer heat and humidity, at night, or under seasonally cold conditions.

13. Ability and willingness to work during evenings, early mornings, or weekends occasionally as required by project.

14. Ability to stand and walk for long periods in remote settings.

15. Ability to use and maintain a variety of equipment including 4x4 vehicles, UTVS, hand tools, and environmental survey equipment.

16. Ability to safely operate power equipment to include wood chippers and brush mowers.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIRMENTS

Completion of, or pursing a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Botany or related discipline. At least one field season of on-the-job experience. Ability to work as part of a team, and to work in all weather conditions and in challenging terrain. Required to have a driver's license and safe driving record with the ability to operate 4x4 vehicles on dirt roads. Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers, civilians, and military personnel. Other desirable, but not required experience includes: prescribed fire, chainsaw, herbicide application, forest inventory, radio telemetry, rare species monitoring for construction projects, aquatic invertebrate identification, plant identification, local flora knowledge, and independent field experience.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRMENTS

Incumbents are required to have a current and valid driver’s license

REMARKS

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days. Please submit a resume and cover letter.