Who We Are:

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection, and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife seeks applicants for the position of Habitat Restoration and Management Program Manager (Environmental Analyst V) assigned to the Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA, to perform the following duties:

The Habitat Restoration and Management Program Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of science-based habitat management and restoration projects on lands managed by MassWildlife throughout the Commonwealth. The Program Manager leads a multidisciplinary team of Habitat Biologists, Restoration Ecologists, and Foresters to restore and manage habitat to benefit wildlife, including species of greatest conservation need identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, while maintaining or enhancing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-based recreation. In addition to supervising the team, the Program Manager works closely with the District Managers across the state to coordinate agency-wide habitat management efforts. Management techniques include but are not limited to mechanical, prescribed burning, invasive plant control, and water management in a variety of habitats including grassland, shrubland, barrens, forests, aquatic systems and wetlands.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

1. Responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the Habitat Restoration and Management Program, including the planning, implementation, prioritization, and evaluation of habitat management projects by agency employees and contractors.
2. Working with the Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation, oversees planning and implementation of science-based habitat restoration and management projects on an annual basis, including prioritization, planning, permitting, and procurements to meet state legal mandates and responsibilities for maintenance and perpetuation of wildlife species and their habitat.
3. Train and supervise Habitat Restoration and Management staff and perform workforce planning functions to ensure program objectives are satisfied consistent with identified priorities.
4. Oversee the development and updating of Management Plans for Wildlife Management Areas; coordinate development of plans with District staff and other Division staff.
5. In consultation with other technical experts, design and implement biological monitoring and research projects to evaluate the effectiveness of agency habitat restoration and management efforts.
6. Work with Assistant Directors and District Managers to develop work plans for Habitat Biologists, Restoration Ecologists, Foresters and Stewardship Biologists, and coordinate agency-wide land restoration and management efforts carried out by a variety of staff from across the agency; organize and lead regular Habitat Management Program team meetings.
7. In consultation with agency administrators, develop, refine, and standardize program policies, procedures, and tracking; ensure consistency with all applicable laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; work with administrative staff to ensure federal and state compliance and prepare federal aid reports.
8. In cooperation with Outreach and Education staff, serve as a spokesperson for communicating about the agency’s mission, its habitat restoration and management priorities, and how these efforts help to fulfill its mission and priorities; respond to calls, correspondence and inquiries submitted by the public and other state or federal agencies; build partnerships with and provide technical assistance to landowners, land managers, and other stakeholders.
9. Prepare and manage detailed budget and procurements, including timber sales, bid specifications, and contracts; coordinate with administration and finance staff; perform grant writing and other administration functions.
10. Contribute to the greater team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Advanced education in restoration ecology, fish and wildlife management, forestry, conservation biology, or closely related field, and six years of professional work experience in wildlife habitat restoration and management preferred.
2. Considerable knowledge of wildlife, habitat, and restoration and management practices including ecological, sociological, and political considerations.
3. Ability to design and implement habitat restoration and management and biological monitoring projects, including knowledge of specialized equipment needs, on a supervised and unsupervised basis.
4. Extensive knowledge of scientific research methodologies (hypothesis testing, research design, data collection, and data analysis).
5. Experience supervising staff, developing program priorities, and maintaining team focus, coordination, and collaboration.
6. Ability to effectively communicate (both orally and written) research results and management decisions to the public and professionals.
7. Ability to design habitat restoration and management treatment specifications and oversee preparation of habitat restoration and management contracts (timber sales, vegetation mowing, etc.).
8. Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data for purposes of recommending appropriate course of action with respect to resource restoration and management.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

Substitutions:

1. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
2. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
3. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience and one year of the required experience in a professional capacity.

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. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.