MATTAPOISETT — Mattapoisett Land Trust, which has been an all-volunteer organization since its inception in 1974, has hired its first employee.

Colleen Andrews, a Quincy native, has been hired as community engagement and stewardship manager. 

The experience and qualifications she brings to the role were an almost seamless match with the advertised job description, according to Mattapoisett Land Trust President Mike Huguenin. 

 “There were a lot of applicants for the position but Colleen really stood out,” he said. “We are very pleased to welcome Colleen to join our work.”

A 2018 graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biology from Westfield State, which included a semester in New Zealand, she previously worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Cortland, N.Y. 

Prior to that she also spent time in Florida in Everglades National Park, monitoring the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow, and has also worked on Cape Cod's National Seashore monitoring endangered shorebirds. 

During the lengthy covid lockdown, she earned a graduate certificate in wildlife management, online, from Oregon State University. 

While adept with managing the social media aspects of her role, it was the opportunity to spend time outdoors that was a big attraction, she said.

 “I get restless if I'm inside too long,” she said. “Mattapoisett is a beautiful place and I'm definitely excited to get outside and get my hands dirty. “