Massachusetts Jobs

Who We Are: The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth 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. _Who We Serve:_ The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depends on the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment. DCR is seeking four qualified Independent Contractors to join as Real Property Boundary Editors (Real Property Boundary Editors). This role is pivotal in updating and maintaining accurate spatial data for DCR's extensive real estate holdings, ensuring alignment with historical and current land records. Ideal candidates will possess robust Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expertise and a strong background in boundary and deed research. DCR’s Land Protection Office in conjunction with the Office of Cultural Resources manages land records, in both paper and digital formats, for all DCR’s real estate holdings, including historic and pending land acquisitions. The DCR Plans Library manages the agency’s plans collections including Right-of-Way Plans and property boundary surveys. As part of a data modernization effort within DCR, the Land Protection Office and the Plans Library are updating DCR’s internal and external boundaries. The Real Property Boundary Editor will report to the Director of the GIS Department and coordinate closely with the Land Records Database Manager, Plans Archivist and their respective staff. Contract Terms This position is anticipated to be a 7-month contract position, with an end date of 7/31/2025. The position is a remote position with the option to come into one of DCR’s offices. This position will work 40 hours per week and the total hours worked over the 7-month period shall not exceed 1,310 hours. There are no benefits associated with this position, except for earned sick leave. Hourly rate of $40, included in the hourly rate is the added stipend in lieu of benefits of $2.68/hour. Project Specifics -DCR has recorded approximately 10,000 acquisitions, each requiring meticulous spatial and database documentation. -Acquisitions date from current day to the 1880s and have a large range of documentation quality Responsibilities -Update internal and external boundaries for DCR-owned properties. -Enhance attribute data in DCR’s internal database and hosted GIS data layers for all land acquisitions. -Conduct thorough boundary and deed research using various sources to establish precise property boundaries. -Maintain comprehensive documentation of boundary editing processes, methodologies, and outcomes. -Provide progress reports throughout the contract -Stay updated with advancements in geospatial technologies and recommend improvements in georeferencing workflows. -Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams on boundary-related issues. -Collaborate closely with the Land Records and Database Manager and other departmental staff. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. * *Required Qualifications - Advanced proficiency with ESRI products, particularly ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro, for spatial data manipulation and analysis. - Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing deeds, maps, plans, and surveys. - Experience in georeferencing techniques and methodologies, including control point selection and error analysis. - Familiarity with Coordinate Geometry (COGO) and applying distances and bearings from reference points found in deeds and surveys. - Ability to update spatial data in MassGIS’s Protected OpenSpace data from land records and a variety of sources. - Ability to follow Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for spatial data QA/QC. - Strong teamwork skills, working cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams including Land Acquisition, Plans Library, and GIS staff. - Other related duties as required Preferred Qualifications * - Experience with Versioned Geodatabases and applying Topology Rules to maintain data integrity. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office for documentation and reporting purposes. - Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and adherence to SOPs. - Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate within diverse teams. * *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: Science* *Organization: Department of Conservation & Recreation *Title: *OpenSpace Contractor(s) * Location: *Massachusetts-Boston-10 Park Plaza Requisition ID: 240008E4