Seasonal Service Forestry Environmental Analyst I

Description

Title: Seasonal Environmental Analyst I

Location: Amherst Field Office

Start Date: 3/31/24

End Date: 10/19/24

Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.

Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

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.

About the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry: The Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry offers programs to promote, protect and enhance healthy and diverse wooded and urban forests throughout our Commonwealth including grant opportunities for urban forestry and volunteer fire assistance, staff assistance to municipalities for fire control, consulting forestry and forest stewardship for private lands, oversight of forest health issues including insect and disease control and storm related response, regulatory guidance on timber harvests as well as forest management and timber sales on state lands.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Environmental Analyst I.

The Seasonal Environmental Analyst I plays a crucial role in the Service Forestry Program, focusing on the implementation and support of stewardship projects, Geographic Information System (GIS) activities, and data management. This position carries responsibilities for maintaining, modifying, and ensuring the accuracy of GIS spatial data and associated databases in collaboration with Forest Stewardship and Service Forestry Programs, as well as the Working Forest Initiative.Key Responsibilities include GIS Expertise: Maintain, update, and validate GIS spatial data and related databases. Apply GIS analysis, digitizing, data analysis, and develop interactive web application maps as necessary.

Stewardship Program Project Support: Assist in the execution of various stewardship projects, contributing to their successful implementation.Data Management: Manage data generated by the Service Forestry Program, including reporting and technological innovation needs.Regulatory Compliance: Fulfil regulatory responsibilities under M.G.L. Chapter 132 and M.G.L. Chapter 61 when required.Forest Stewardship Support: Provide outreach and technical assistance to private landowners and municipalities across the Commonwealth.This role involves working in both office and field settings. Fieldwork includes work in all types of weather, work in isolated areas, and travel for job-related purposes.The Seasonal Environmental Analyst I should possess the ability to work independently, exhibit proficiency in forestry-related tasks, strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrate solid computer and writing abilities.

Seasonal positions may be subject to the recall process and will be filled per collective bargaining agreements, positions not filled using this process will be interviewed for.

Duties of Seasonal Environmental Analyst I:

The Seasonal Environmental Analyst I position will focus on the implementation and support of Geographic Information System (GIS) activities, and data management, the Forest Stewardship Program and Working Forest Initiative, and related projects.

Coordinates the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of geospatial data for use in the DCR Service Forestry Program. Maintains and further develops the DCR Service Forestry Program database and its integration with GIS. Review system design approaches to ensure they fully meet staff needs. Write use cases, business rules, and other artifacts such as user guides and activity flow diagrams to effectively articulate and represent business processes, desired outcomes, and requirements. Produce key documents both in written and presentation format. Prepares or develops reports and memoranda using word processing, spreadsheets, and databases and communicates with agency personnel using a computer network. Provide outreach and education to forest landowners, foresters, harvesters, wood processors, municipal officials, environmental organizations, and the public by conducting workshops, individual and group meetings, developing web-based material, preparing news releases and articles, and presenting papers and educational programs. Assists in grant writing. Trains DCR Service Forestry Program staff in the use of GIS software. Determines proper coding of data for entry into the computer system. Checks for discrepancies between source documents and keyed data by visually checking items to determine the accuracy of the information and to ensure compliance with established standards and procedures. Utilizes forestry cutting plans, aerial photographs, other remote sensing media, and field reconnaissance to digitize a variety of map products. Prepares reports, and valuations and makes recommendations relating to DCR Service Forestry Program activities. Maintains records of DCR Service Forestry Program activities. Utilizes Microsoft Office, Survey 123, & ArcGIS, and other software in the preparation of correspondence, reports, and other documents. Assist DCR in the creation of outreach material, web content, and other related media needs for the program. Performs related duties such as assigned.

The position may also include some or all of the following:

Landowner and municipal outreach including attending in-person and virtual meetings, and compiling mailing lists from a variety of sources including in-house databases. The preparation of cover letters, popular writing for pamphlets, newsletters, and web content. Assist DCR staff with field and office review of forest management plans and forest cutting plans prepared by private foresters as well as applications for practices to improve forest resilience. Assist DCR staff with the collection and maintenance of GIS data and projects. Assist DCR staff with data collection, entry, processing, and analysis, using a variety of methods and tools, including field computers. Assist DCR staff with interim site visits to active timber harvests to ensure regulatory compliance. Assist DCR staff in the review of practices for improved bird habitat, forest resilience, or forest carbon. Assist DCR staff with other Service forestry duties as assigned, including but not limited to office tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

·Proficiency in GIS and data management.

·Effective written and verbal communication skills.

·Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·Willingness to work in variable outdoor conditions.

·Commitment to regulatory compliance and stewardship projects.

·Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

·Knowledge of GIS including ArcMap, ArcPro, AGOL, Collector app, ESRI, Survey 123 app, and GPS.

·Knowledge of Abode Pro.

·Knowledge of the principles and techniques of geographic information systems (GIS).

·Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in connection with geographic information systems.

·Knowledge of effective methods for training personnel.

·Ability to assemble items of information following established procedures.

·Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes, and/or symbols.

·Ability to perform arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy.

·Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

·Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

·Ability to assemble items of information following established procedures.

·Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs, and tables.

·Ability to use microcomputers for word processing and database management.

·Ability to deal tactfully with others.

·Ability to maintain accurate records.

·Ability to read and interpret documents, such as reports, topographic maps, and land survey plans.

·Ability to analyze data sets using accepted statistical methods.

·Ability to prepare general and technical reports.

·A background in forestry or related fields, with prior field experience.

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, technical or professional experience In the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for the required 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 Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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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