The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for preserving the state’s natural resources. They exercise responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) serves Massachusetts’ citizens by protecting, restoring, and enhancing fishery resources and their habitats, while providing sustainable fisheries related recreational and commercial opportunities.
Job Opening:
The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for a Shellfish Restoration Specialist to perform the following duties:
Position Overview:
The incumbent is responsible for coordinating an interagency working group consisting of partners, municipalities, and stakeholders in the development of a statewide plan to identify suitable sites for coastal habitat restoration projects; oversees and supports the development of tools for prioritizing potential oyster and other coastal habitat restoration locations; coordinates the planning and permitting of at least five oyster reef restoration sites within 5 years; reviews and updates existing DMF policies to reflect changes to restoration practices; develops standard operating procedures and best practices documents for restoration project implementation and monitoring; attends interagency meetings and committees relevant to coastal habitat restoration; conducts applied research projects related to the restoration and study of marine fisheries habitats; communicates scientific information within the agency and with stakeholders; works directly with the Habitat Program and Shellfish Program staff to establish annual program priorities and workplans; performs other related work as required and assist the DMF through the following activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop a statewide plan for coastal shellfish habitat restoration in coordination with an interagency working group.
- Engage stakeholders in prioritizing potential restoration projects, including eelgrass, shellfish, and saltmarsh habitats.
- Conduct a statewide site suitability assessment using GIS and stakeholder input for siting and permitting shellfish restoration projects in coastal Massachusetts.
- Develop standard operating procedures and best management practices for planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat restoration projects.
- Plan and permit at least five shellfish restoration sites in Massachusetts within 5 years.
- Review and update DMF Policies to advance sensible shellfish restoration for ecological benefits.
- Complete all grant and project reports.
- Interpret results of monitoring and research activities and studies designed to improve coastal habitat restoration.
- Assist with identifying program priorities and developing work plans.
- Assist with writing and administering grants for research funding.
- Perform literature reviews and prepare technical reports and graphical presentations.
- Conduct field research on the quality and distribution of coastal habitats.
- Represent DMF at public meetings, interagency working groups, scientific conferences and workshops.
- Foster communication across multiple DMF program areas.
- Maintain a network of contacts directly relevant to research, management, and policy priorities.
- Demonstrate professionalism in words and actions.
- Perform other surveys, studies, or duties as directed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience/familiarity with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, and R.
- Knowledge of Town, State, and Federal permitting processes and regulations (NEPA, MEPA, etc.).
- Familiarity with mitigation
- Familiarity with creating requests for proposals, grant review, and management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of fisheries science, fisheries management, and coastal habitat restoration. Experience with oyster restoration a plus.
- Thorough knowledge of marine biology and ecology, including field research techniques.
- Familiarity with marine spatial planning and GIS applications and principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS (or other GIS programs) applications.
- Experience with grant writing and administration.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, maps, and images, including environmental studies and published scientific literature.
- Strong technical and non-technical writing skills.
- Excellent oral communication skills.
- Experience with participating in workgroups.
- Demonstrated ability to foster communication and work collaboratively.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively manage concurrent program needs within defined timelines.
- Ability to travel and attend meetings.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and some longer/earlier/later than normal workdays.
- Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with others and to integrate the input and efforts of personnel from various projects.
- Ability to plan and implement marine research projects.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and some longer/earlier/later than normal workdays.
