Overseas Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seek 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 share 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.
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. DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state park 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.
Job Opening:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection's Quabbin Reservoir & Ware River Region seeks applicants for the position of Field Operations Team Leader (FOTL) for the Quabbin Reservoir/Ware River Region. Work location is 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises, plans, assigns, and reviews the activities of watershed maintenance staff in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Quabbin Reservoir/Ware River Region for the proper maintenance and care of the drinking water supply.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Plans, coordinates, assigns, and supervises the work of five groups of the Watershed Maintenance Section based on the annual Work Plan. The five groups comprising the Watershed Maintenance section include: Belchertown Watershed Maintenance group; New Salem Watershed Maintenance group; Oakham Watershed Maintenance group; Mechanics group; and Facilities Maintenance group. The Watershed Maintenance Section staff are responsible for the care, maintenance, and operation of state-operated boat launch areas, Quabbin Park, Quabbin Park Cemetery; buildings, grounds, roads, fields, vehicles, heavy equipment, boats, and other equipment used in the operation and maintenance of the watershed lands and facilities for the proper maintenance and protection of a public drinking water supply.
• Develop annual work plans with the supervisors of each group. Work completion is verified through field inspections, direct communication, and work reports. Completed work is checked for accuracy, compliance with instructions, adherence to laws or policy, quality, and neatness.
• Supervises time records of direct reports by reviewing and approving weekly time sheets, leave requests, and overtime submittals; reviews daily work plans and weekly progress reports for maintaining personnel and payroll records.
• Assists in soliciting vendors for prices and purchasing equipment and specialized services necessary for the operation and maintenance of a public water supply.
• Conduct annual reviews (EPRS) and Form 30 development for direct reports and their direct reports.
• Oversees construction and repair projects related to watershed maintenance as necessary.
• Conducts meetings and job interviews; carries out disciplinary actions; evaluates employee performance by meeting weekly with the supervisor and reporting staff for the operation of a drinking water supply. Attend and participate in senior staff meetings.
• Coordinates, overseas, and assists in the event of unforeseen emergencies such as power outages, storm events, facility problems, and other emergencies for the protection of a drinking water supply.
• Confers with agency personnel concerning assigned unit activities to resolve problems, provide information, and make recommendations concerning activities. Works with Watershed Rangers, forestry, environmental quality, natural resources, engineering, and interpretive services to support the maintenance needs of these groups.
• Maintains records and prepares computer-generated work schedules, work plans, seasonal mowing plans, snow operation and reports concerning work progress, utilization of personnel, disposal of materials, etc.
• Develop and oversee seasonal operation programs which include but are not limited to: Snow Operations, Vegetation Control, Storm Debris Removal, Quabbin controlled deer hunts, boat launch areas, and Spill/Dumping Response Operations.
• Provide updates for the quarterly and annual reports for the Work Plan.
• Develop watershed maintenance tasks for the DWSP Annual Work Plan and Watershed Protection Management Plans.
• Assists with the development and implementation of safety practices and precautions that should be observed in connection with the care, maintenance, and operation of the watershed system.
• Coordinates activities as needed with other agencies such as Mass Wildlife, MA DOT, local highway (DPW), fire, and police departments, etc., when the need arises.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Supervisory Training and experience
o Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision in a Union environment within the State government system
• Project Management experience
• Budget Management experience
• Watershed Management experience
o Knowledge of methods, practices and techniques used in the maintenance and operation of a watershed system.
• Knowledge of skilled crafts, equipment operations, and labor force operations required in general maintenance and repair work.
• Knowledge of the care and maintenance of roads and walkways.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures used in the watershed system operations.
• Knowledge of the use of equipment and vehicles as required in connection with the care and maintenance of a watershed area.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of custodial supplies and equipment.
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the field of forestry or park management, of which (B) four (4) must be in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Incumbents are required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment in a complex that includes aquatics facilities, incumbents are required to have the Practical Pool Management Plus (PPM) certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in forestry, natural resources management, parks management, or other related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
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.