Massachusetts Green Jobs

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 Marine Fisheries serves Massachusetts’ citizens by protecting, restoring, and enhancing fishery resources and their habitats, while providing sustainable fisheries related recreational and commercial opportunities. A cover letter and resume expressing your interest in this position must be submitted as part of the application process. These documents must be specifically attached to the requisition for which you are applying.* The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) seeks applicants for the position of Aquatic Biologist II. The individual will serve as the Protected Species Specialist to assist in the implementation of the Protected Species Project research and monitoring work, including field work related to passive acoustic monitoring, assisting in meeting the requirements of an Incidental Take Permit under the federal Endangered Species Act for the Massachusetts mixed species trap fishery, derelict gear removal and other shipboard work. Responsibilities include assisting in deployment, maintenance, and purchasing of PAM equipment; and assisting in acoustic data management and analyses. The positions will work closely with DMF’s Acoustician and other staff to meet acoustic monitoring goals for large whales, including documenting North Atlantic right whale habitat use, and assist in all field work needed to maintain a comprehensive protected species program. DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Assist in the implementation of a passive acoustic monitoring system for large whales in Massachusetts coastal waters, with a focus on right whale distribution, habitat use and dynamic management of fishing closures. 2. Assist in the management of all passive acoustic monitoring equipment, including deployment, operation and retrieval and analysis and reporting of results. 3. Perform field duties required to deploy, operate, and retrieve acoustic monitoring devices, as well as retrieval of acoustic data. 4. Assist in the management of acoustic monitoring data, including storage, quality checks and analyses. 5. Coordinate under supervision all activities and requirements of an Incidental Take Permit under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act for the Massachusetts mixed species trap fishery through DMF’s Protected Species Program. 6. Conducts analyses of protected species data in Massachusetts coastal waters relative to distribution, abundance, bycatch, spatial overlap with fisheries, etc. for the Incidental Take Permit. 7. Assists with preparing scientific and technical reports for publication. 8. Assists Protected Species Program with additional field work as necessary to maintain a comprehensive conservation program, as required for an Incidental Take Permit. Qualifications Required at Hire * 1. Experience on vessels, including small vessels around 30 feet long. 2. Willingness to travel and go to sea, most often consisting of one day trips, sometimes on short notice. 3. Ability to assist in the development and implementation of archival acoustic monitoring program for North Atlantic right whales in Massachusetts coastal waters, including study design, equipment maintenance, and data management and analysis. 4. Ability to think both analytically and creatively to answer questions about protected species data; to develop analyses in both statistical and spatial form. 5. Proficient in the use of computer software used in data analysis (MS Excel, R, or other statistical package) and data dissemination (MS Word, MS PowerPoint). 6. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. 7. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. 8. Ability to lift 40 pounds and move equipment. *PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Experience with passive acoustic monitoring systems or bioacoustics. 2. Experience deploying research equipment in a marine environment. 3. Proficient in the use of GIS (ESRI ArcGIS Pro). 4. Knowledge of right whale conservation issues, human impact mitigation and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. 5. Knowledge of the various commercial fisheries that occur in the Commonwealth, and how they are prosecuted. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. * Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. *Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography 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 marine, fisheries or, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography 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. _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. *Job: Science *Organization: Department of Fish And Game *Title: *Protected Species Specialist * Location: *Massachusetts-New Bedford - 836 South Rodney Requisition ID: 240005MJ