Conservation Biologist I - Waquoit Bay - <90 Days STS (Summer 2026)

Position Information

Location: Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Falmouth, MA
Dates: August 17, 2026 – October 31, 2026 (seasonal, less than 90 days)
Salary: $25.00/hour ($2,000.00 biweekly)

About the Role

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks a Seasonal Conservation Biologist I to collect, analyze, and review biological data through field and literature work on endangered and threatened species and other features of biological diversity. This role provides technical assistance and information to public and private groups, helps maintain liaison with various agencies, and performs related work as required. The basic purpose is providing professional scientific services regarding biological monitoring and the protection and management of the state's endangered and threatened species plants and animals and their habitats.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from a variety of sources on declining species to assess population trends or to make management recommendations regarding courses of action for the protection and management of these species
• Collect and review biological data through field investigations to obtain information relative to population trends and environmental impacts in order to make appropriate recommendations
• Provide technical assistance and information on matters such as species and habitat conservation, management and research to various local, state and federal agencies and the scientific community
• Maintain liaison with various private, local, state and federal agencies and others in order to exchange information or to resolve problems related to the maintenance of biological diversity and ecosystem function
• Prepare general and technical reports and memoranda; prepare correspondence; and maintain data and other scientific records
• Conduct field surveys to monitor permanent salt marsh plots for elevation, plant communities, and invertebrate populations at WBNERR
• Use GPS and other field survey equipment to locate plots and re-establish markers
• Enter data and conduct preliminary quality checks
• Assist with marsh surface elevation and sediment accretion data collection
• Deploy, retrieve, and maintain data from autonomous loggers

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles of ecology and population biology
• Knowledge of a specific area of biology (for example, marine ecology) related to assigned responsibilities
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques followed in biology
• Knowledge of the characteristics and habits of declining species
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of endangered and threatened species habitat management
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment used in field biology research and management
• Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of graphs and tables
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents
• Ability to maintain and update databases according to established procedures
• Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling data into interpretative text and figures
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of biology data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to perform arithmetic and statistical computations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; and calculate basic statistics such as mean and standard deviation)
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression
• Ability to prioritize work assignments
• Ability to prepare general and technical reports
• Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs and tables
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to deal tactfully with others
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and harmonious working relationships with others
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Ability to work independently

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions: A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology may be substituted for the required 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.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

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.