• Posting Date:

The Massachusetts Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project seeks a field assistant for 2008. Since 2000, the Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) in the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management has facilitated biocontrol beetle releases at more than 20 sites. The overall goal of the project is to enhance the health, condition, and diversity of habitats and native species within wetlands that have been degraded by purple loosestrife infestations. Volunteer organizations have participated in biocontrol beetle rearing, beetle release, and site monitoring. The field assistant will help with all aspects of project coordination, monitoring, and data compilationlreporting. More information on the Project can be found at: http://www.mass. gov/czmlwrp/proj ectspages/loosestrife.htm.

Required tasks include:
* Conducting vegetation and biological monitoring of treatment sites;
* Performing data entry, management, and reporting; and
* Providing general education and outreach support for Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project.

Preferred qualifications:
* Excellent organizational and communication skills;
* Experience with monitoring wetland vegetation;
* Familiarity with ecological field techniques and GPS/GIS; and
* Interpretive or outdoor education experience.
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. This is not a state government position or contract; rather, it is a seasonal, temporary contract position administered by the non-profit Coastal America Foundation using funds from a US Fish & Wildlife Service grant award. The Field Assistant will collaborate with and be directed by staff from the WRP.
Must have valid drivers license and personal vehicle.
Anticipated start date is late May/early June. Contract will extend until September, but this is negotiable.

For more information, interested individuals should contact:
Beth Suedmeyer
Wetlands Restoration Program MA Office of Coastal Zone Management
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800 I Boston, MA 02114-2136
phone: 617-626-4921 I fax: 617-626-1240 I beth.suedmeyerstate.ma.us