Diadromous Smelt Seasonal Technician

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DFG:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.

Job Description:

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

Job Opening:

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries seeks applicants for a Seasonal Diadromous Fisheries Technician to join our team. The seasonal employee will work closely with lead diadromous biologists, assisting in a project to generate information on diadromous Rainbow Smelt presence and habitat utilization in select areas of the Saugus River and near the Saugus River National Historic Site (SAIR). This project will provide information on the distribution and relative abundance of smelt in SAIR.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deploy various nets and traps, in coastal streams during the annual spring monitoring for Rainbow Smelt.

• Collect, record, and process biological information on Rainbow smelt, other diadromous species and freshwater fish.

• Collect data on the spatial and temporal presence and relative abundance of Rainbow Smelt eggs through in river counts or the use of egg mats.

• Collect and process water quality data.

• Record and organize data including data entry for computer analysis.

• Analyze detection data for smelt presence and potential stream habitat utilization.

• Assist other activities of the Diadromous Fish Management Project including, stocking, stream maintenance, and fishway management when needed.

• Operate and maintain field equipment including sampling equipment and motor vehicles.

• Assist in writing a report and compiling a data set to share with National Parks Service (NPS).

• Assist other MADMF projects with conducting research and field sampling.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledges, skills, abilities):

• Ability to identify marine fish and invertebrates common in Massachusetts’ coastal waters.

• Experience working with the collection of biological fisheries data for diadromous fish.

• Knowledge of computer software applications including: Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience filling data forms in the field and compiling data in tabular and graphical form.

• Ability to interact favorably with field crews during sampling.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate field sampling trips.

• Ability to handle fish sampling nets and work in wet and/or cold environments.

• Experience collecting and preparing samples (i.e. scales, otoliths) for ageing.

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds safely.

Remarks:

• This is a eighteen-week position, with a start date of February 9, 2026.

• This is a seasonal contract position. No benefits are included - except earned sick leave.

Qualifications

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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.

Official Title : Contracted Seasonal Employees

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Gloucester-30 Emerson Ave

Job : Science

Agency : Department of Fish And Game

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Feb 10, 2026, 7:07:34 AM

Number of Openings : 2

Salary : 22.00 - 22.00 Hourly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melissa Esenyie/[email protected] - 6178723270

Bargaining Unit : Non

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No