The Trustees protect more than 27,000 acres across Massachusetts; many of these lands support habitats of exceptional ecological value including beaches, grasslands, shrublands, forests and barrens. Protecting these natural resources is central to the mission of The Trustees and is the focus of the Coast and Natural Resources Program. These resources, in healthy condition, support biodiversity for a myriad of plant and animal species, provide critical habitat for rare and threatened species, buffer the impacts of climate change, sequester carbon, allow for public enjoyment and recreation, and inspire the next generation to care for our lands. The Habitat Specialist contributes to the protection and management of key species and native habitats through habitat restoration and management.

The Habitat Specialist performs a suite of duties including regular and heavy mowing and herbicide application directly related to managing habitats and ecological resources including grasslands, early successional habitat (shrublands), fire-adapted habitats, exemplary natural community types and rare species habitat. The position requires daily travel throughout the state, including the trailering of heavy equipment. While the position is based on 40 hours per week, due to the demands of seasonal fieldwork, unpredictable weather, occasional overnight stays near field sites, and the need to attend some evening or weekend meetings, a flexible schedule is required. The Habitat Specialist mainly works alone or with property-based staff for on-site work and with members of the Coast and Natural Resources Program and stewardship staff for planning and prioritizing work. This position supports the Program’s priority management goals statewide and will work closely with the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources, other ecology staff, and property stewardship staff.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as lead for maintaining priority habitats that require routine maintenance or restoration including grasslands and early successional habitats (approximately 2,000 acres across multiple properties).

• Works collaboratively with property management, agriculture and ecology staff to prioritize and coordinate activities to include mowing and herbicide application.

• Conduct habitat management activities to include regular and heavy mowing using a skid steer with mowing deck, herbicide application, and occasional other activities.

• Transport and operate tractors, vehicles, and power equipment.

• Serve as project manager for selected habitat restoration and management projects that will be contracted out, including securing contractor bids following the Trustees procurement policy and required permits (e.g., Conservation Commission)

• Serve as the Trustees expert for invasive plant control including all aspects of chemical control and ensure control is implemented on priority habitats (e.g., Ecological Landscape Units).

• Maintain and advance organizational capacity and expertise to manage habitats by serving as a resource for stewardship staff including developing and leading trainings (e.g., pesticide license CE (Continuing Education) training).

• Maintain firebreaks as necessary for implementing prescribed fire within fire dependent habitats. Participate as a member of Trustees fire crew.

• Use and maintain tools and equipment to achieve the above functions (e.g., chainsaw, tractor, skid steer, boom sprayer, etc.), following safety standards and BMPs.

• Assist the Lead Ecologist with grant proposals for habitat management and restoration including NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) contracts.

• Use GPS to document habitat management.

• Assess success of management actions through vegetation surveys, photo-documentation, and other methods.

• Maintain necessary state licenses including Pesticide Applicator License and Hoisting License.

• B.S. or B.A. in wildlife biology, ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience with habitat management.

• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator (CORE) License or willingness to obtain.

• Massachusetts Hoisting License (2A) and DOT medical card or willingness to obtain.

• Experience with operating and transporting heavy equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steer).

• The desire to take initiative and problem solve.

• Effective communication skills.

• A valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.

• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions and perform physically strenuous duties including traversing steep slopes with a backpack sprayer.

• The ability to lift /carry 50 pounds.

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).

Preferred applicants will also have:

• Possess strong time management skills and the flexibility to deal with shifts in the weather

• The ability to work independently and with other staff and the public.

• Knowledge of invasive plants and methods of control.

Working Conditions

This position will be based out of one of our property-based offices (e.g. Ipswich, Leominster, Ashfield, or Sharon, MA). Working remotely is allowed for some tasks. The position requires travel throughout the state using a Trustees vehicle. Minimal evening and weekend work can be expected.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, The Trustees offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across Massachusetts who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever. In support of our staff and their families, we provide comprehensive top-notch benefits and an array of special perks.

About The Trustees

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

Our commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity