Diadromous Smelt Seasonal Technician

Job Title

Diadromous Smelt Seasonal Technician (250008BA)

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

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.

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 Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries seeks applicants for a Seasonal Diadromous Fisheries Technician to join our team. The seasonal employee will work closely with lead diadromous biologists, assisting in a project to generate information on diadromous Rainbow Smelt presence and habitat utilization in select areas of the Saugus River and near the Saugus River National Historic Site (SAIR).

This project will provide information on the distribution and relative abundance of smelt in SAIR.

• Deploy various nets and traps in coastal streams during the annual spring monitoring for Rainbow Smelt.
• Collect, record, and process biological information on Rainbow smelt, other diadromous species and freshwater fish.
• Collect data on the spatial and temporal presence and relative abundance of Rainbow Smelt eggs through inriver counts or the use of egg mats.
• Collect and process water quality data.
• Record and organize data, including data entry for computer analysis.
• Analyze detection data for smelt presence and potential stream habitat utilization.
• Assist other activities of the Diadromous Fish Management Project including, stocking, stream maintenance, and fishway management when needed.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including sampling equipment and motor vehicles.
• Assist in writing a report and compiling a data set to share with National Parks Service (NPS).
• Assist other MADMF projects with conducting research and field sampling.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Ability to identify marine fish and invertebrates common in Massachusetts’ coastal waters.
• Experience working with the collection of biological fisheries data for diadromous fish.
• Knowledge of computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience filling data forms in the field and compiling data in tabular and graphical form.
• Ability to interact favorably with field crews during sampling.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate field sampling trips.
• Ability to handle fish sampling nets and work in wet and/or cold environments.
• Experience collecting and preparing samples (i.e. scales, otoliths) for ageing.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds safely.

This is an eighteen‑week position, with a start date of February 9, 2026. This is a seasonal contract position. No benefits are included – except earned sick leave.

• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  United States – Massachusetts – Gloucester – 30 Emerson Ave
• Job Type: Contracted Seasonal Employees
• Number of Openings: 2
• Salary: $22.00 per hour
• Schedule:
  
  Full‑time, Day shift
• Posted:
  Feb 10, 2026

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.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:
Melissa Esenyie / EEADiversity – 617‑872‑3270.