Invasive Pest Survey Technician

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is the state agency which supports, regulates, and enhances the rich diversity of the Commonwealth's agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production. The MDAR also supports the State Reclamation Board - Mosquito Control (SRB), which oversees mosquito control to ensure that an early detection, warning, and response system is in place

Who We Serve:

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

The Department of Agricultural Resources seeks applicants for a Seasonal/contract Invasive Pest Survey Technician to perform the following duties:

Position Overview:

This is a temporary/contracted position that does not have any benefits associated with this position. The incumbent will work 37.5 hours per week (full time) for a total of 26 weeks or 44 weeks, which has a paying rate of $22/hr. Length of employment (26 weeks vs. 44 weeks) will be determined upon hire. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at $0.62/mile.

The incumbent will play an important role in exotic pest detection in Massachusetts. The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Installing and servicing insect traps in the field, carrying out insect and plant surveys, and sampling plant material to be tested for plant diseases.
• Responding to pest reports and conducting surveys.
• Assisting in mitigation efforts for invasive pests.

This position will require working in various environments, including local parks, farms, agricultural fields, groves/orchards, storage sites, nurseries, industrial sites, forests, ports of entry, etc.

The incumbent will be responsible for collecting insect and plant specimens and recording data. Some data collection will require the use of GPS, PDAs, and data management systems. Work will require extensive travel in Massachusetts. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a team.

The incumbent will interact with stakeholders and perform education and outreach to the public.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of insect and plant taxonomy, focusing on insect identification skills.
• Previous experience with insect and plant surveys.
• Knowledge of technology includes GPS, spreadsheet /database, and data collection software.
• Knowledge of Forestry and arboriculture.

Qualifications

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

Qualifications:

Applicant must have experience performing the duties described above or have completed coursework above high school that includes scientific or technical courses such as biology, entomology, ecology, botany, agriculture, etc.

Applicant must have experience with spreadsheet and database entry, and familiarity with GPS and mapping technology.

Applicant must have a valid US driver's license and his/her own vehicle and be prepared to spend an extensive amount of time in the field. There is a mileage reimbursement for travel.

There are no benefits with this position, except Earned Sick leave.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative 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 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.