Aquatic Biologist II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; West Boylston (MA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts invites applications for an Aquatic Biologist II with the Department of Conservation and Recreation in West Boylston, MA. The role involves monitoring Wachusett Reservoir, collecting plankton, recording water quality data, and coordinating with MWRA and consultants on invasive species and data management.

The position supports long-term ecological studies, data sharing, and routine public outreach while requiring the ability to work independently and in teams.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time or equivalent experience in marine biology or fisheries management
• At least one year in a professional capacity
• Substitutions: degrees may substitute for experience as described in the job posting

Responsibilities

• Collect, identify, enumerate, and report on plankton.
• Measure hydrographic parameter profiles to characterize the reservoir.
• Participate in five-year cycle surveys for invasive species and reports.
• Assist with data management, reporting, and QA/QC of environmental data.
• Coordinate with MWRA and consultants on sampling and reporting.

Skills

Boating Safety

Freshwater systems

Aquatic ecology

Field surveys

Water quality monitoring

Invasive species management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field

Graduate degree in marine/oceanography or related

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Aquatic Biologist II (26000657)

Job Description

Aquatic Biologist II - ( 26000657 )

Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well‑being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at [e-mail] . DEPT Info

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for an Aquatic Biologist II to perform the following duties:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists with all aspects of the aquatic biology program, which conducts environmental monitoring of a public water supply, by participating in the collection and analysis of data on plankton, nutrients, water column profiles, macrophytes, fish, and other aquatic life. Interacts with MWRA staff to determine timing of algal control treatments and to manage consultant contracts for control of invasive aquatic plants. Meets with MWRA staff and others regularly to discuss research proposals and to share data. Assists with data acquisition, labels and chain-of-custody forms, and bottle orders from MWRA Deer Island Lab for reservoir sampling. Assists with documentation of environmental conditions in the Wachusett Reservoir for the annual water quality report. Must be able to operate watercraft. This position requires an individual able to work independently and in group situations.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collect, identify, enumerate, and report on plankton from Wachusett Reservoir.

Measure hydrographic parameter profiles (temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.) as needed to characterize the Wachusett Reservoir water column and hydrodynamics of the Quabbin interflow therein. Upload profile results in electronic file formats; analyze and interpret the values.

Participate in five-year cycle of major tasks: Conduct visual scouting surveys of watershed lakes and ponds (Year A) and extensive surveys of reservoir littoral zones (Year B) during the growing season to detect invasive aquatic species and plan for control or containment. Complete angler creel survey (Year C). Analyze results and produce a summary report of creel survey results. Expanded reservoir plankton/profile monitoring to investigate distribution/trends within the reservoir (Year D). Perform detailed analysis of historical data to identify trends and better understand population dynamics (Year E) and begin to produce a summary report of historical data.

Assist with expansion of existing database on Wachusett Reservoir, enhance data accessibility and dissemination, and facilitate communication and sharing of data by analyzing and interpreting results of sampling programs and control efforts and documenting findings in annual or special reports. Assist in writing section on aquatic biology for annual WQ report.

Help develop or modify sampling programs to reflect changing data needs and techniques.

Ensure aquatic biology program data is reviewed, imported to the database, and flagged as necessary, in a timely manner. Ensure aquatic biology program SOPs and QAPP elements are adhered to.

Work with MWRA and other stakeholders to characterize cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the reservoir.

Work with consultants to control existing populations of aquatic invasive species in Wachusett Reservoir and oversee management of Phragmites on the reservoir shoreline.

Facilitate and conduct decontamination inspections for vessels/equipment entering the reservoir and support program of public education/outreach on threat from aquatic invasive species and fisheries management.

Participate in meetings with MWRA, consultants, etc. when necessary.

Collect nutrient samples quarterly from Wachusett Reservoir and deliver them to MWRA lab for analysis. Responsible for data acquisition, labels, chain-of-custody, and bottle orders from MWRA Deer Island Lab.

Ensure hot water pressure washer is properly stored and operational to allow for decontamination of boats or equipment when needed.

Assist with responses to information requests from other agencies and researchers.

Continue routine zooplankton monitoring in the reservoir and monitoring of rivers to detect Didymo.

Coordinate with MA F&W to continue ongoing project to collect and tag spawning lake trout in Wachusett Reservoir each fall.

Assist with supervision of Aquatic Biologist I and/or seasonal Aquatic Biologists.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Boating Safety Certificate or have the ability to obtain one
• Experience with freshwater systems, including reservoirs, lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands, and drinking water supply watersheds.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology and limnology, including trophic dynamics, habitat assessment, nutrient cycling, algal blooms, macrophytes, benthic organisms, and fish communities.
• Experience conducting field surveys and biological monitoring, such as fish sampling, habitat assessments, aquatic vegetation surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling, shoreline surveys, or invasive species inspections.
• Familiarity with water quality monitoring, including collection, handling, QA/QC, and interpretation of parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, bacteria, and Secchi depth.
• Experience with aquatic invasive species management, including identification, early detection, survey design, spread prevention, public outreach, and management planning.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in marine, fisheries or, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for one year of the required (A) 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.

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.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff…

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.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-West Boylston-180 Beaman St

Job

Science

Agency

Department of Conservation & Recreation

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 15, 2026, 10:34:57 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

70,520.84 - 102,665.94 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff…

Bargaining Unit : 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes