Habitat Specialist

~ The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. ~

Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households.

The Trustees has been featured in the Top 100 Women-Led Organizations in Massachusetts for six consecutive years.

Position Overview

The Habitat Specialist performs a suite of duties directly related to managing habitats and ecological resources including but not limited to grasslands, early successional habitat (shrublands), fire-adapted habitats, exemplary natural community types and rare species habitat. The position requires daily travel throughout the state with the majority of work concentrated in the eastern half. While the position is based on 40 hours per week, due to the demands of seasonal fieldwork, unpredictable weather and the need to attend evening or weekend meetings, a flexible schedule is required.

The Habitat Specialist is also expected to participate as a member of a team and communicate well both within the Coast and Natural Resources Program and outside for planning and completion of 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.

Responsibilities

In This Role You Will:

• Serve as lead for maintaining priority habitats that require routine maintenance or restoration including but not limited to grasslands and early successional habitats (approximately 2,000 acres across multiple properties).
• Activities will include regular and heavy mowing, herbicide application, and occasional other activities.
• Serve as project manager for selected habitat restoration and management projects.
• Managing associated project budgets.
• Securing contractor bids following the Trustees procurement policy.
• Drafting RFPs and contracts with project BMPs and specifications.
• Internal and external communication.
• Securing 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 training).
• Develop and update BMPs for habitat management including but not limited to the safe and effective use of herbicides, mechanical equipment, and prescribed fire.
• Assist with planning and implementation for prescribed fire on Trustees properties. Maintain firebreaks as necessary for implementing prescribed fire.
• Use and maintenance of appropriate tools and equipment to achieve the above functions (e.g., chainsaw, tractor, skid steer, boom sprayer, etc.), following safety standards and BMPs.

Supporting Functions:

• Assist the Lead Ecologist with grant proposals for habitat management and restoration including NRCS contracts.
• Use GPS to document habitat management.
• Transport and operate tractors, vehicles, and small power equipment.
• Assess success of management actions through vegetation surveys, photo-documentation, and other methods.
• Maintain necessary state licenses including Pesticide Applicator License and Hoisting License.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• B.S. or B.A. in wildlife biology, ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field, or
• Equivalent experience with managing habitats.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills.
• Possess strong time management skills and the flexibility to deal with shifts in the weather.
• The ability to work independently as well as closely with other staff and the public.
• The desire to take initiative and problem solve.
• Knowledge of invasive plants and methods of control.
• Massachusetts Pesticide License (can be acquired on the job).
• Massachusetts hoisting license and DOT medical card.
• Experience with operating and transporting heavy equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steer).

Preferred applicants will have:

• Experience with invasive species control and prescribed (controlled) fire.
• Knowledge of Office365 or similar tools to assist with communication, planning, and tracking projects.

Other:

• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions and perform physically strenuous duties including traversing steep slops with a backpack sprayer.
• The ability to lift /carry 50 pounds.
• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).
• Access to a personal vehicle required.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, The Trustees offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across New England who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

In support of our staff and their families, we provide comprehensive top-notch benefits and an array of special perks. Full-time, year-round staff can enjoy:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer premium contributions ranging from 75%-85%.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plan with 5% employer match after one year of employment.
• Employer-paid life and disability plans.
• Paid vacation, sick and personal time; thirteen paid holidays; eight early release Fridays.
• Day of Service to travel to another site to work in a division and location other than your own in a fun group project such as reinforcing beach shorebird fences, planting seedlings or bulbs, organizing archival documents, or making phone calls to thank donors.
• Day of Wonder to explore the wonders of any of our Trustees properties.
• Complimentary Member-level access and discounts and 50% discount for Trustees summer camps.
• Reciprocity program offering free and discounted admissions and memberships to more than 50 Massachusetts museums and cultural institutions.
• And much more!

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted. 

~ In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of its team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees is a signer of the Boston Women’s Workforce Council and a Member of the Boston College Center for Work and Family. ~