Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

Position Information: Seasonal Forestry Assistant 40 Cold Storage Drive, Amherst 05/19/24 - 08/10/24 (12 weeks) Number of vacancies: 2 Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position. Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process. ABOUT THE AGENCY: The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission isto protect, promote and enhance our Commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all.The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission. About Conservation and Resource Stewardship: DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship of our Commonwealth’s unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster a culture of stewardship. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistant. _General Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:_ Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants help perform the necessary and fundamental tasks for DCR to be good stewards of the land under its charge. Works outdoors in all types of weather; works in isolated areas; may be exposed to the hazards of power tools and equipment such as chainsaws and hoists; and travels for job-related purposes. Often times the work is independent, and the use of a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursed consistent with collective bargaining agreements will be required if a state vehicle is not assigned, or an assigned state vehicle breaks down, is disabled, or reassigned. Assists in the inventory of natural resources; the establishment and maintenance of state forest boundary lines; the interpretation of aerial photos; the preparation of plans and reports; the use of GIS and GPS; and in the performance of cartographic work related to forest management. Assists in planning and supervision of forest management projects by state forest crews and private contractors. Assists in the sale of forest products including preparing silvicultural prescriptions, ensuring timber harvesting occurs at a high standard, and ensuring contractual compliance by private contractors. Cooperates with state and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters such as forest fires, wind or ice storms, and insect infestations. Performs related duties such as maintaining records, submitting time sheets or mileage logs, and attending staff meetings. _Specific Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:_ The position will include some or all of these specific duties: * Assist DCR staff with forest management project preparation, boundary line location, and timber marking. * Assist DCR staff with inventory of natural resources, including but not limited to: o Measurement of continuous forest inventory sample locations. o Design of sampling plans and collection and analysis of pre- and post-management stand examination data. o Measurement of trees, understory vegetation, down woody material, and forest floor; and assessment of site- and stand-level characteristics. o Use of GPS and GIS to assist in planning work and navigation in the field. * Assist DCR staff with collection and maintenance of GIS data and projects, to include cutting plans for service forestry. * Assist DCR staff with data collection, entry, processing, and analysis, using a variety of methods and tools, including field computers. * Assist DCR staff with compliance checks associated with private vendors working on DCR managed lands. Examples include boundary line contractors, surveyors, and vegetation control contractors. * Assist DCR staff with other management forestry duties as assigned, including but not limited to office tasks. This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. * Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. * Substitutions: I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License. *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: Agriculture* *Organization: Department of Conservation & Recreation *Title: *Seasonal Forestry Assistant - State Lands Forest Management - Amherst Location: Massachusetts-Amherst-395 West Street Requisition ID: 24000369