What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer24 position at DCR- Water Supply & Protection?
Seasonal Forestry Assistant (Forestry Assistant I)
Wachusett Reservoir-DWSP: 4/7/24-10/19/24 (30 Weeks)@37.5hours: Monday-Friday 7:00a.m-3:30p.m-2 openings
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails and parkways.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Forestry Assistant for the Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP), Natural Resource Section, located in Oakham or West Boylston, Massachusetts (reporting location is negotiable).
DWSP has responsibility for care and oversight for the largest water supply reservoir system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The actively managed watershed forest that surrounds the reservoirs provides a critical component of a comprehensive watershed protection program.
Under the functional supervision of DWSP Forest Resiliency Forester, the seasonal Forestry Assistants will assist in the management of the watershed forests, including forest stand enhancements, terrestrial invasive species inventory, monitoring, and control.
Specific duties include:
1. Travel to areas of the watersheds (Quabbin, Ware River, and Wachusett) and navigate to specific areas using maps, iPads and/or hand-held GPS units.
2. Implement forest stand improvement activities related to age class and species diversity including identifying and removing understory tree species using hand tools such as chainsaws, brush saws, and/or hand saws.
3. Keep accurate records of the number and species of trees removed, time spent, and the area covered during removal.
4. Identify and map terrestrial invasive species’ populations using hand-held GPS units or iPads.
5. Remove terrestrial invasive species using hand pulling, herbicides, or other methods.
6. Other forestry-related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience operating chain saws and brush saws; chainsaw certification training
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of applied forestry
- Ability to identify tree and shrub species using key features such as leaves and bark.
- Ability to navigate in isolated areas using hand-held GPS units or iPads with mapping software.
- Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to act quickly and make decisions in dangerous and emergency situations.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as maps, cutting plans, real estate sheets, etc.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Pesticide applicator’s license
Special Requirements:
- Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or for extended periods of time, lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds, and work in isolated areas.
- Possession of a current and valid Class D motor vehicle operator’s license.
- DCR Chainsaw certification training certificate.
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
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.
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