Shellfish-Habitat Restoration Specialist

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s environmental resources while ensuring and promoting a clean energy future for the state’s residents. Through the stewardship of open space, protection of environmental resources, and enhancement of clean energy, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for preserving the state's natural resources. They exercise responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

Who We Serve:

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

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 seeks applicants for a Shellfish Restoration Specialist to perform the following duties:

Position Overview:

The incumbent is responsible for coordinating an interagency working group consisting of partners, municipalities, and stakeholders in the development of a statewide plan to identify suitable sites for coastal habitat restoration projects; oversees and supports the development of tools for prioritizing potential oyster and other coastal habitat restoration locations; coordinates the planning and permitting of at least five oyster reef restoration sites within 5 years; reviews and updates existing DMF policies to reflect changes to restoration practices; develops standard operating procedures and best practices documents for restoration project implementation and monitoring; attends interagency meetings and committees relevant to coastal habitat restoration; conducts applied research projects related to the restoration and study of marine fisheries habitats; communicates scientific information within the agency and with stakeholders; works directly with the Habitat Program and Shellfish Program staff to establish annual program priorities and workplans; performs other related work as required and assist the DMF through the following activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a statewide plan for coastal shellfish habitat restoration in coordination with an interagency working group.
• Engage stakeholders in prioritizing potential restoration projects, including eelgrass, shellfish, and saltmarsh habitats.
• Conduct a statewide site suitability assessment using GIS and stakeholder input for siting and permitting shellfish restoration projects in coastal Massachusetts.
• Develop standard operating procedures and best management practices for planning, implementing, and monitoring habitat restoration projects.
• Plan and permit at least five shellfish restoration sites in Massachusetts within 5 years.
• Review and update DMF Policies to advance sensible shellfish restoration for ecological benefits.
• Complete all grant and project reports.
• Interpret results of monitoring and research activities and studies designed to improve coastal habitat restoration.
• Assist with identifying program priorities and developing work plans.
• Assist with writing and administering grants for research funding.
• Perform literature reviews and prepare t