Seasonal Forestry Assistant

Position Information:
Seasonal Forestry Assistant
West Region HQ, Pittsfield
03/31/24 - 11/16/24 (33 weeks)
Number of vacancies: 1

ABOUT THE AGENCY: 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.

About Conservation and Resource Stewardship: DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship of our Commonwealth’s unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster a culture of stewardship.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistant.

General Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:

Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants help perform the necessary and fundamental tasks for DCR to be good stewards of the land under its charge.

Works outdoors in all types of weather; works in isolated areas; may be exposed to the hazards of power tools and equipment such as chainsaws and hoists; and travels for job-related purposes. Often times the work is independent, and the use of a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursed consistent with collective bargaining agreements will be required if a state vehicle is not assigned, or an assigned state vehicle breaks down, is disabled, or reassigned.

Assists in the inventory of natural resources; the establishment and maintenance of state forest boundary lines; the interpretation of aerial photos; the preparation of plans and reports; the use of GIS and GPS; and in the performance of cartographic work related to forest management.

Assists in planning and supervision of forest management projects by state forest crews and private contractors.

Assists in the sale of forest products including preparing silvicultural prescriptions, ensuring timber harvesting occurs at a high standard, and ensuring contractual compliance by private contractors.

Cooperates with state and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters such as forest fires, wind or ice storms, and insect infestations.

Performs related duties such as maintaining records, submitting time sheets or mileage logs, and attending staff meetings.

Specific Duties of Seasonal Management Forestry Assistants:

The position will include some or all of these specific duties:

• Assist DCR staff with forest management project preparation, boundary line location, and timber marking.
• Assist DCR staff with inventory of natural resources, including but not limited to:
  • Measurement of continuous forest inventory sample locations.
  • Design of sampling plans and collection and analysis of pre- and post-management stand examination data.
  • Measurement of trees, understory vegetation, down woody material, and forest floor; and assessment of site- and stand-level characteristics.
  • Use of GPS and GIS to assist in planning work and navigation in the field.
• Assist DCR staff with collection and maintenance of GIS data and projects, to include cutting plans for service forestry.
• Assist DCR staff with data collection, entry, processing, and analysis, using a variety of methods and tools, including field computers.
• Assist DCR staff with compliance checks associated with private vendors working on DCR managed lands. Examples include boundary line contractors, surveyors, and vegetation control contractors.
• Assist DCR staff with other management forestry duties as assigned, including but not limited to office tasks.

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.