Conservation Biologist I - Waquoit Bay -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Teaticket (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks a Seasonal Conservation Biologist I for Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth, MA. Start date 8/17/2026, end date 10/31/2026. The role involves field and literature work on endangered species and biodiversity, with data analysis and technical assistance.

The basic purpose is to provide professional scientific services for monitoring and protecting endangered species and habitats in the state.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ecology and population biology.
• Knowledge of a specific area of biology (e.g., marine ecology).
• Knowledge of research methods used in biology.
• Knowledge of endangered and threatened species habitat management.
• Ability to read, interpret policies and regulations governing agency operations.
• Ability to analyze biology data and draw conclusions.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes data from diverse sources to assess population trends and make management recommendations.
• Collects and reviews biological data through field investigations for population and environmental impacts.
• Provides technical assistance on species and habitat conservation to agencies and researchers.
• Maintains liaison with public and private agencies to exchange information.
• Prepares general and technical reports and maintains data records.
• For Waquoit Bay NERR: conduct field surveys to monitor salt marsh plots and encode data.

Skills

Ecology basics

Population biology

Field biology

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in zoology/botany or related field

Tools

GPS

Field survey equipment

Data management

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description

Description

POSITION INFORMATION

Number of Positions: 1

Positions: Seasonal -Conservation Biologist I

Location: Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Falmouth, MA

Start Date: 8/17/2026

End Date: 10/31/2026

Please note, if you are selected for this position you will be working less than 90 days; this is a short-term seasonal position. The proposed salary rate for this position is $25.00 per hour, or $2,000.00 biweekly. Salary rate will be ratified during the interview phase of the process.

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.

DCR:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to 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.

Job Information:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Conservation Biologist I. This position collects, analyzes, and reviews biological data through field, and literature work on endangered and threatened species and other features of biological diversity; provides technical assistance and information to public and/or private groups; helps the agency in maintaining liaison with various public and private agencies; and performs related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is providing professional scientific services regarding the biological monitoring and the protection and management of the state's endangered and threatened species plants and animals and their habitats.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Analyzes data 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.

Collects and reviews biological data through field investigations to obtain information relative to population trends and environmental impacts in order to make appropriate recommendations.

Provides technical assistance and information on such matters as species and habitat conservation, management and research to various local, state and federal agencies and the scientific community.

Maintains 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

Performs related duties such as preparing general and technical reports and memoranda; preparing correspondence; and maintaining data and other scientific records.

Specific duties for WBNERR

conduct field surveys to monitor permanent salt marsh plots for elevation, plant communities, and invertebrate populations;

using GPS and other field survey equipment, 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 Required at Hire:

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 maintan 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.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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:

I. 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 .

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 / Affimative 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 indicates 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-Falmouth-Route 28

Job

Science

Agency

Department of Conservation & Recreation

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 18, 2026, 11:46:51 AM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

25.00 - 25.00 Hourly

If you have Diversity, Affimative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Moneesha Dasgupta/[e-mail] - 6176450358

Bargaining Unit

Non

Confidential

No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule

No