Habitat Specialist - Massachusetts Statewide

The Habitat Specialist performs a suite of duties including regular and heavy mowing and herbicide application directly related to managing habitats and ecological resources including grasslands, early successional habitat (shrublands), fire-adapted habitats, exemplary natural community types and rare species habitat. The position requires daily travel throughout the state, including the trailering of heavy equipment. While the position is based on 40 hours per week, due to the demands of seasonal fieldwork, unpredictable weather, occasional overnight stays near field sites, and the need to attend some evening or weekend meetings, a flexible schedule is required. The Habitat Specialist mainly works alone or with property-based staff for on-site work and with members of the Coast and Natural Resources Program and stewardship staff for planning and prioritizing work. This position supports the Program’s priority management goals statewide and will work closely with the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources, other ecology staff, and property stewardship staff.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as lead for maintaining priority habitats that require routine maintenance or restoration including grasslands and early successional habitats (approximately 2,000 acres across multiple properties).

• Works collaboratively with property management, agriculture and ecology staff to prioritize and coordinate activities to include mowing and herbicide application.

• Conduct habitat management activities to include regular and heavy mowing using a skid steer with mowing deck, herbicide application, and occasional other activities.

• Transport and operate tractors, vehicles, and power equipment.

• Serve as project manager for selected habitat restoration and management projects that will be contracted out, including securing contractor bids following the Trustees procurement policy and required permits (e.g., Conservation Commission)

• Serve as the Trustees expert for invasive plant control including all aspects of chemical control and ensure control is implemented on priority habitats (e.g., Ecological Landscape Units).

• Maintain and advance organizational capacity and expertise to manage habitats by serving as a resource for stewardship staff including developing and leading trainings (e.g., pesticide license CE (Continuing Education) training).

• Maintain firebreaks as necessary for implementing prescribed fire within fire dependent habitats. Participate as a member of Trustees fire crew.

• Use and maintain tools and equipment to achieve the above functions (e.g., chainsaw, tractor, skid steer, boom sprayer, etc.), following safety standards and BMPs.

• Assist the Lead Ecologist with grant proposals for habitat management and restoration including NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) contracts.

• Use GPS to document habitat management.

• Assess success of management actions through vegetation surveys, photo-documentation, and other methods.

• Maintain necessary state licenses including Pesticide Applicator License and Hoisting License.

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