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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.

 About Conservation and Resource Stewardship:

DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship of our Commonwealth's unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster a culture of stewardship.

 About the Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry:

The Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry offers programs to promote, protect and enhance healthy and diverse wooded and urban forests throughout our Commonwealth including grant opportunities for urban forestry and volunteer fire assistance, staff assistance to municipalities for fire control, consulting forestry and forest stewardship for private lands, oversight of forest health issues including insect and disease control and storm related response, regulatory guidance on timber harvests as well as forest management and timber sales on state lands.

 About the Greening the Gateway Cities Program:

The Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP) is an Urban and Community Forestry program, celebrating its 12th Anniversary this year.  The GGCP was created with the goal of increasing the number of trees planted in urban residential areas of Massachusetts Gateway Cities which tend to have lower tree canopy, older housing stock, higher wind speeds, and a larger renter population.  The GGCP is designed to reduce household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree canopy cover in environmental justice neighborhoods, while improving the aesthetic appearance of these neighborhoods and providing numerous other benefits that come with increasing the tree canopy.

 Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeks applicants for four (4) contract employees, Seasonal Planting Laborer I Short Term Employment - Greening the Gateway Cities, located in Westfield, MA to perform the following duties below and position information. 

 Position Information:

 Work Hours: Full-time 40 hours per week

 Salary Rate: $17.00 per hour/$1,360.00 biweekly

 Contract Time Period: September 8, 2026 - November 14, 2026

 Benefits: Not eligible for benefits, this is short-time seasonal contract employment.  Earned sick time per applicable rules, regulations and laws.

 There are many benefits to joining the GGCP team:

 Engage in urban forestry activities within the Commonwealth.

 Learn tree planting best practices from experienced GGCP Foresters.

 Gain invaluable communication skills engaging with stakeholders throughout your local community.

 Experience working in a state agency with diverse career opportunities.

 General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Seasonal Planting Laborer l will work outdoors in all types of weather and will perform various labor tasks in support of the GGCP effort to plant trees in Massachusetts's gateway cities to increase tree canopy cover for the purpose of reducing heating and cooling energy costs to residences and businesses.

 Seasonal staff dig and backfill tree planting holes with hand tools; plant trees according to industry standards; load and unload trees from vehicles and trailers; load and unload tools and equipment; maintain vehicles, tools and equipment.

 Performs preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and tools by washing, inspecting, tightening, lubricating and by sharpening edges on all cutting tools.

 Performs related duties as assigned.

 Preferred Qualifications:

 Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

 Ability to work in a team setting.

 Manual dexterity.

 Physical stamina and endurance for full time, hard manual labor.

 Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

 Willing to work in all weather conditions.

 Skill in using hand tools such as shovels, mattocks, pry bars, bolt cutters, clippers, etc.

 Applicants will have the potential to become a STS Laborer II with proven experience in driving a van and/or towing a trailer. The rate for the Laborer II position is $18.00 per hour or $1,440.00 biweekly.

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:  NONE

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.