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Natural Heritage Jobs/Internships

Full-time Positions

Aquatic Ecologist
Conservation Biologist III

As an integral part of the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), the Aquatic Ecologist implements inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the Commonwealth’s endangered, threatened, and special concern aquatic invertebrate species, and compiles and analyzes data on the distribution of the state’s aquatic invertebrate fauna, especially its rare and endangered species.

The Aquatic Ecologist works with the Fisheries Section of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and other partners to implement ecosystem based conservation projects at key aquatic biodiversity sites with the Commonwealth.

Under the direction of the Chief of Conservation Science, the Aquatic Ecologist:

• Complies and analyzes data on rare aquatic invertebrate populations and habitats, and applies data to maintaining and updating the Commonwealth’s rare species list; reviews and evaluates individual aquatic invertebrate species for appropriateness of inclusion on or deletion from the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) list; researches taxonomy as necessary; develops listing criteria; screens rare aquatic invertebrate species observation records for accuracy and completeness before acceptance into NHESP databases; and prepares species habitat maps for aquatic invertebrate species.

• Plans, supervises, and /or conducts field surveys and scientific investigations of populations of endangered, threatened, and special concern aquatic invertebrate species; oversees and administers short-term aquatic invertebrate research and inventory projects to be contracted-out; hires and supervises seasonal staff to assist in biological surveys and research as needed; analyzes conservation research and inventory results and prepares studies, technical reports, and scientific papers for publication.

• Develops, implements, and coordinates long range habitat and population management programs for endangered aquatic invertebrates, and works with partners to research, manage, and protect important aquatic ecosystems.

• Applies knowledge of the abundance, distribution, ecology, and management needs of rare aquatic invertebrates through participation in regulatory reviews, land protection and ecological restoration planning, and in other DFW/NHESP projects.

• Develops and maintains professional relationships with habitat land managers, the environmental and scientific communities; develops and implements conservation partnerships to advance aquatic invertebrate conservation; interacts professionally with biologists at the state, regional, and nation level; coordinates efforts with the DFW Fisheries Section.

• Prepares and delivers presentations, develops informational material, and conducts other targeted education and outreach to increase awareness of the status and conservation needs of the biodiversity of the Commonwealth; works with DFW/NHESP administrators to seek and obtain funding and/or other material support for aquatic invertebrate conservation.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Please see the Commonwealth's Employment Opportunities (CEO) website for minimum and preferred Qualifications and instructions on how to apply.

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