Shooting Hunting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 are vital 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:

MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth, including  endangered plants and animals. MassWildlife restores, protects, and manages land for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy.

A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is seeking a Hunter Education Program Leader (Game Biologist IV). The Hunter Education Program Leader reports to the Assistant Director of Outreach and Education, and is responsible for the planning, implementation, coordination and continual improvement of the Massachusetts Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Programs, which includes Basic Hunter Education, Learn to Hunt, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Youth Hunt Programs, National Archery in the Schools, Trapper Education, Bowhunter Education, Map and Compass, Black Powder, and Waterfowl ID. The Program Leader works closely with agency staff, volunteers, and partners to develop, implement, evaluate, and continually enhance programs, print and online resources, and other initiatives that provide learning opportunities and increase participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Specific Duties:              

The Hunter Education Program Leader is responsible for administering all aspects of the Massachusetts Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Program, including the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continual enhancement of the programs.  Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate all aspects of the Massachusetts Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Program to meet agency R3 goals to increase participation and support of hunting and the shooting sports.

• Administer, plan, and evaluate all hunting and shooting sports education programs including Basic Hunter Education, Learn to Hunt, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, mentored hunts, National Archery in the Schools, Trapper Education, Bowhunter Education, Map and Compass, Black Powder, and Waterfowl ID and other specialty hunting programs. Assist with trainings and course instructions, as necessary.

• Review policies and make recommendations to agency administrators for program and curriculum consistency with all applicable laws, regulation, policies, and procedures. Maintain recommended hunter education standards and reciprocity among North American jurisdictions. Serve as the Commonwealth's representative with the International Hunter Education Association and other relevant committees and workgroups.

• Supervise hunting and shooting sports education staff and perform workforce planning functions to ensure program objectives and mission/mandate are satisfied. Prepare and manage detailed program budgets. Evaluate and administer the purchase of equipment, course materials, and teaching/training aids. Perform grant writing and other administration functions.

• Oversee development of all hunting and shooting sports course content, curriculum, and course evaluations to ensure a variety of course offerings and formats (both in-person and online) that address the needs of participants with varying skills from beginners to experts and various preferred learning styles.

• Coordinate staff, partners, and volunteers to increase course offerings and locations. Build partnerships to ensure Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Program offerings engage and serve all interested people. Develop program templates that can be replicated and implemented by other organizations, and provide guidance to partners wishing to offer their own hunting education and skills programs by coordinating on curriculum development, providing resources, and/or sharing best practices. Oversee management of volunteer instructors (recruitment, training, evaluation, retention) and foster volunteer relationships.

• Work collaboratively with MassWildlife's Communications staff to advertise hunting and shooting sports program offerings, and connect hunting education program participants with next-step opportunities. Oversee Hunter Education and other student databases in order for MassWildlife to engage effectively with students from the point of being interested in a course, through enrollment, and after course completion. Coordinate with other agency staff to allow education databases to integrate seamlessly with other MassWildlife platforms including the licensing system and outreach tools to provide a high-quality experience for all students during all stages of learning. 

• Regularly collect and evaluate feedback from students, instructors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders to improve hunting program offerings. Remain engaged and well-versed on current research, technical enhancements, and recommended best practices relating to hunter education and programmatic activities. Prepare performance reports and make recommendations for program improvement.

• Assist Federal Aid staff with ensuring the Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Program maintains federal compliance (ex. reporting requirements, in-kind match documentation). Work with other agency staff to ensure compliance with other laws, regulations, or polices effecting the programmatic level (ex. CORI).

• Contribute the greater team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required at Hire (Knowledge, skills, and abilities) 

• Knowledge of education principles and teaching/training methods, equipment, and procedures, particularly as they apply to Hunter Education and Shooting Sports programs.

• Knowledge of general principles of ecology and wildlife management.

• Knowledge of and experience with coordination of Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation programs.

• Knowledge of hunting practices, firearms and safe firearms handling practices and other related outdoor skills.

• Knowledge and/or experience in volunteer management.

• Knowledge and skill in planning, developing, and organizing effective programs.

• Ability to address public groups and conduct effective presentations.

• Ability to evaluate teaching effectiveness of volunteer instructors and ability to motivate and organize volunteers.

• Ability to deal tactfully with others.

• Ability to work effectively with volunteer instructors, education professionals, and other diverse publics.

• Ability to assemble, organize, and report data.

• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written formats.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently and be self-motivated.

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with others.

• Ability to work effectively with a group.

• Ability to use PC-based computer systems and basic software packages and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule with frequent night and weekend work as a job requirement.

• Ability to travel both in and out of state for meetings, trainings, and conferences.

• Ability to maintain eligibility status required for all applicable licenses/permits, such as Firearm Identification, License to Carry, or license to operate a motor vehicle.

License and/or Certification Requirements: 

• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License, or equivalent.

• Hunting license / Firearms certification

• Hunter Education Certification

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.