Position Information: Seasonal Forestry Assistant, Short Term Location: Amherst Field Office, Amherst ASAP- 11/22/2025 Number of vacancies: 2 About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation is responsible for the protection of natural resources across Massachusetts and manages one of the largest parks systems in the nation. DCR is a dynamic agency with over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position:Professional Pathways into Forestry, Short-Term Seasonal Forestry Assistant, Forest Products The Professional Pathway into Forestry program provides entry-level job experience for those interested in pursuing a career in forestry. Arboriculture, forestry, and natural resource students from technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs are encouraged to apply. The position runs from ASAP to November 22nd with some flexibility to accommodate academic commitments of the selected applicant. Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply. Successful applicants will start the season with the DCR Forest Products Crew making firewood for community wood banks. The applicant will become proficient in a production environment operating a log splitter, cutting logs with a chainsaw, drying firewood, and measuring wood moisture content. Once firewood orders are met, the team will transition over to manufacturing lumber with a Wood-Mizer portable sawmill for state park projects. The applicant will become proficient scaling logs, stacking lumber for drying, and grading lumber. On rain/heat days there will opportunities to explore various wood manufacturing operations and/or self-directed training based on an approved work plan. General Duties: The Department works with 8 towns and community organizations across Massachusetts to recycle storm damaged trees into firewood. Wood banks are an essential lifeline for rural people struggling with energy poverty by providing tangible social benefits from forests. This position builds local capacity to provide a just climate transition during a time of rising energy costs. The work will involve a balanced mix of physical labor processing firewood and community organizing. Applicants should be comfortable completing strenuous arboricultural work. Safety in the workplace is a top priority for department staff. Successful applicants are required to follow safety protocols and maintain a clean working environment. Experience taking an introductory chainsaw safety class is preferred. (e.g., Game of Logging Level 1) Administrative responsibilities include maintaining accurate production records, purchasing fuel, documenting wood moisture content, timesheet submissions, and milage reports. Communication skills are key to building community capacity at wood banks. Attention to detail, active listening, and concise written communication are desirable. Applicants will be responsible for documenting program achievements and submitting them for posting on social media and the department website. Successful applicants will need to use a government issued computer to complete work tasks. Basic competency is required in the usage of applications including outlook, excel, word, and power point. Weather in Massachusetts from September to November can be challenging for an outdoor job. Rain is a persistent variable requiring innovative adaptation. Staff will be expected to work in light rain unless conditions create an unsafe work environment. Conditions change during the workday and successful applicants will need to determine in the field if it is possible to work safely. Heat, humidity, and sun exposure also present challenges to staff working at wood banks. Applicants may choose to modify their schedule with an early start to avoid mid-day heat. Driving light-duty state vehicles is required. Applicants must have a class D driver license. Drivers representing the Commonwealth will be courteous and safe. Vehicles are monitored by GPS for speed and idling. The program uses a Ford F250 and various trailers under 10,000 lbs GVWR. Experience backing up trailers is preferable. Performs related duties as assigned. 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: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required experience. Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License. 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. Job: AgricultureOrganization: Department of Conservation & Recreation Title: Short Term Seasonal Forestry Assistant - Forest Products - Amherst Location: Massachusetts-Amherst-395 West Street Requisition ID: 2500069F
