The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of Freshwater Turtle Biologist (Scientist - Contractor). The Freshwater Turtle Biologist implements targeted inventory, research, and management programs to conserve the Commonwealth’s endangered, threatened, special concern, and federally “at-risk” turtles, manages and analyzes data on the distribution of freshwater turtles, provides technical guidance to landowners and land managers to implement management actions for rare turtle species, and works collaboratively with partners in town government, other state agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and non-governmental organizations to implement and track conservation actions for freshwater turtles. The Freshwater Turtle Biologist works in close coordination with, and is supervised by, the State Herpetologist to support research and conservation initiatives that are supported by Section 6 and Competitive State Wildlife Grants from the USFWS. 1880 hours over a calendar year (full time). Hourly rate is $37.00/hour (which includes $2.68 per hour payment in lieu of benefits). This is a contractor position with no benefits except earned sick leave. Duties include: 1. Assist the State Herpetologist with the implementation of the Northern Red-bellied Cooter headstarting program, including nest protection and landowner trainings/outreach. 2. Plan and conduct targeted and standardized field surveys of endangered, threatened, and special concern freshwater turtle populations, funded through Section 6 or CSWG, in coordination with the State Herpetologist and DFW staff. 3. Compile and manage field data from inventories, road surveys, and population assessments, and management actions funded through Section 6 or CSWG. Enter relevant data into the Commonwealth’s “Heritage Hub” reporting system, and assist key partners with data management to facilitate inclusion in the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage database. 4. Implement and coordinate habitat and population management programs funded through Section 6 or CSWG under the supervision of the State Herpetologist. 5. Maintain and build relationships with town natural resources officials, state agency biologists, USFWS biologists, universities, and/or non-governmental organizations. Track non-federal sources of match, where appropriate. 6. Conduct targeted education and outreach to key constituent groups to improve management outcomes for turtles of conservation concern. 7. Assist as needed with the transport, care, placement, and/or monitoring of confiscated turtles. 8. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required at Hire: 1. Knowledge of, and direct field experience with the freshwater turtles of New England. 2. Knowledge of the geography and ecoregions of Massachusetts. 3. Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel, Google Earth, and ArcGIS. 4. Proficiency with backcountry navigation and GPS. 5. Willingness to travel extensively throughout the Commonwealth and to work in the field under adverse weather conditions. 6. Ability to write clearly and effectively. 7. Ability to interact effectively with diverse communities and partners. 8. Class D Driver’s License, or equivalent, and an acceptable driving record. Preferred Qualifications:Field experience with Wood, Blanding’s, Bog, or Spotted Turtles and/or the Northern Red-bellied Cooter is preferred. Direct experience with regional working groups for Wood, Spotted, Blanding’s, Bog Turtle and related species is preferred. Experience locating and protecting turtle nests is preferred. Quantitative skills in statistics and/or spatial ecology is preferred. Graduate degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, fisheries, forestry, or a related biological or natural resources discipline is preferred. * First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 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. Job: Science* *Organization: Department of Fish And Game *Title: *Freshwater Turtle Biologist Contractor Location: Massachusetts-Westborough-Rabbit Hill Road Requisition ID: 240000D8