2026 Seasonal Forestry Assistant - Forest Legacy Program West Boylston, MA

Seasonal Forestry Assistant - Forest Legacy Program

West Boylston, MA

05/17/26 through 10/17/26

Biweekly salary: $2,060.84

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.

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.

DCR:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our common wealth 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.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal Forestry Assistant for the Forest Legacy Program.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Massachusetts Forest Legacy Program holds over 80 Conservation Restrictions (CRs) throughout the Commonwealth. The Forestry Assistant’s primary responsibility will be to monitor those CRs. In addition, the Forestry Assistant will assist Forest Legacy and Stewardship staff on related projects as needed.

Specific duties include:

• Conducting detailed field inspections of CRs and meeting with CR landowners as needed.
• Documenting existing conditions on CRs using photography, GPS technology, and thorough notes.
• Preparing detailed monitoring reports based on field inspections as needed.
• Using geographic information systems software (ArcGIS) to develop maps of CRs as needed.
• Maintaining various logs and records, including Forest Legacy Information System (FLIS) data entrees and updates.
• Working cooperatively with other Land Acquisition and Stewardship Staff on a variety of projects as needed.
• Communicating with Conservation Commissions and Land Trusts who monitor Forest Legacy Program CRs.
• Other related duties for the Bureau of Forestry as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Forestry, or Wildlife Biology.

Knowledge of and familiarity with Conservation Restrictions.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of assessing environmental conditions including the ability to recognize potentially harmful environmental conditions.


Experience using hand-held GPS devices and digital cameras.


Ability to read and understand topographic maps, assessor plans, and survey plans.


Ability to use geographic information systems (i.e. ArcGIS and Google Maps) to create maps.


Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply legal documents, technical literature, and regulations to conditions on a property.


Experience reviewing and writing reports including maps, photographs and narrative describing conditions on a property.

Knowledge of New England habitat types, native wildlife species, and invasive terrestrial plants.


Strong organizational skills.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process.

Qualifications

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management 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: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D 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.

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 : Forestry Assistant

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-West Boylston-180 Beaman St

Job : Agriculture

Agency : Department of Conservation & Recreation

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Apr 22, 2026, 9:27:27 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 53,581.84 - 76,573.38 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Moneesha Dasgupta/[email protected] - 6176450358

Bargaining Unit : 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No