Entry Level Conservation Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position Information:
State Firefighter I, Fire District 5, Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield
Start Date: 8/2/2026
End Date: 10/31/2026
Biweekly salary: $1,809.65
Number of vacancies: 1
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 commonwealth 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.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the entry-level protective service classification in this series. Incumbents apply basic principles, practices, and techniques and seek guidance and advice from more experienced colleagues.
Supervision Received:
Incumbents receive close supervision from employees of a higher grade in the chain of command who provide training, instruction, assign work and review performance through frequent formal and informal verbal and written reports for effectiveness and conformance to laws, regulations, and agency policy.
Supervision Exercised:
None
Functions Performed:
Incumbents perform the following:

• Operates agency fire towers for the purpose of detecting and locating local wildland fire ignitions, by using binoculars, spotting scopes, alidade and compass, topographic maps, and providing communications to state and local resources by means of telephone and radio system related to fire behavior, location and state resource needs.

• Assist in suppression of wildland fires as directed by a Firefighter in a higher level, and implements assigned tactics and direction through the use of standard wildland firefighting techniques and uses standard tools such as, wildland fire engines, hoses, nozzles, bladder bags, hand tools, personal protective clothing, GPS, and mapping technology.

• Assist with non-fire related field assignments, such as trail maintenance, access road maintenance and other related projects as directed by the supervising agency staff by taking specific direction from supervising staff regarding projects and applying the uses of hand tools, power saws, light mowers, brush saws or other related tools need to complete the project assignments.

• Assist with Fire Prevention Programs (e.g. Smokey Bear), by providing information to the public on fire protection and prevention.

• Gather and record weather data to assist Firefighters of a higher grade to calculate daily fire ratings.

• Maintain assigned area by construction of fire roads, maintaining fire roads and towers and keeping fire roads and power lines clear to ensure prompt and unobstructed access to emergency sites. Maintain assigned work areas (e.g. headquarters, garage, fire tower, etc.) by cleaning (sweeping, picking up, emptying trash, etc.) and painting.

• Obtain all certifications, licenses, training, government authorizations or approvals required by applicable law or agency policy to perform the duties stated herein.

Key Accountabilities:
Incumbents at this level have the decision-making authority to:

• Detect and communicate fire location, including from fire towers, according to established state, agency, and local protocol.

• Make reasonable adjustments in their assignments based on personal safety.

Relationships with Others:
Key contacts and relationships for incumbents include landowners, logging companies, local and auxiliary fire department personnel and forest wardens, federal, state and local law enforcement, federal, state, and agency personnel, and the general public.
Working Environment:
While performing the duties of this classification, incumbents work under exposure to the hazards associated with fires and hazardous chemicals. Incumbents work outdoors in varying terrain. Incumbents may be exposed to all kinds of weather and environmental and biological hazards (e.g. smoke, diesel fumes, ticks, snags, etc.). Incumbents may work in isolated areas for considerable lengths of time, including in enclosed spaces up to 100 feet in the air (i.e. fire towers). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be noisy. Incumbents may be required to work at emergency incidents for extended hours, nights, weekends or holidays and may be subject to on-call status. Incumbents may be required to travel and may be exposed to traffic and other roadway or travel-related hazards.
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
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.