Conservation Agent (Bridgewater And Halifax)

POSITION TITLE: CONSERVATION AGENT (TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER & HALIFAX)

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

USW GRADE 11

FULL-TIME (40 HOURS PER WEEK)

HIRING RANGE: $71545.76 TO $77047.36 PER YEAR

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Conservation Agent exercises independent judgment and initiative in the performance of highly responsible work of a complex and technical nature relative to the interpretation and enforcement of applicable laws codes regulations and policies relative to environmental management and land conservation. The Agent assists the Conservation Commission in the discharge of the Commissions statutory and regulatory duties. Errors could result in injury to or loss of protected resources could have legal and financial repercussions and/or cause adverse public relations. This position may support the needs of more than one town.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides support coordination and professional management for and technical assistance to the Conservation Commission in carrying out its statutory obligations including preparation and administration of department budget.
• Assists the Commission in the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Towns Wetlands Protection Bylaw; primarily responsible for initiating and/or overseeing enforcement actions under the WPA and/or local bylaw.
• Assists the Commission in planning acquisition administration and management of municipal conservation land.
• Reviews and analyzes Notices of Intent/other filings and associated documents for accuracy completeness and compliance with the law and regulations; ensures filing fees are calculated correctly.
• Assists the Conservation Commission in planning posting and holding meetings and public hearings; attends Commission meetings and public hearings.
• Assures legal requirements are met including postings adherence to timelines approval of minutes and retention of records. Prepares required reports including inspection reports correspondence presentations other written material for Commission review; maintains Department files and information.
• Prepares draft decisions for Commission review and adoption.
• Attend professional meetings of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions and other training sessions and meetings as required.
• Participates on Commissions behalf in DEP proceedings and court appeals as directed by the Commission.
• Works with the Commission to draft or amend wetlands ordinances and associated regulations and Commission policies.
• Serves as a community resource for information concerning conservation issues. Research issues provide data analyses interact with and aids other town boards and departments as well as state and federal agencies on issues related to wetlands conservation and environmental matters as required.
• Performs similar or related work as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of all federal state and local laws rules regulations and policies pertaining to matters under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission including but not limited to the Wetlands Protection Act.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices relating to land management protection and conservation.
• Working knowledge of Open Meeting Law Public Records Law State Ethics Law.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with Town officials employees and staff governmental representatives contractors project applicants attorneys engineers and the public.
• Good organizational and analytical skills; detail oriented takes initiative and able to work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Ability to interpret technical data read engineering maps and plans critically analyze information.
• Ability to plan and effectively manage budgets.
• Proficiency in the use of word processing database and spreadsheet computer applications (such as MS Office suite applications).
• Honesty reliability discretion and good judgment essential.
• Ability to enforce and interpret laws and regulations firmly tactfully and impartially
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form
• Ability to work in high pressure situations as necessary
• Ability to handle multiple tasks prioritize effectively and meet deadlines
• Ability to interpret technical data read engineering maps and plans critically analyze information

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Bachelors degree in public health Environmental Science Biology or other related science fields.
• At least 4 years technical or professional experience in the areas of wetlands protection land conservation environmental management or related field preferably in a municipal or state environment or any equivalent combination of education training and experience which provides the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Massachusetts Drivers License and satisfactory driving record required.

PHYISCAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to bend stretch kneel and squat to perform repairs and inspections.
• Physical agility is needed to access all areas of conservation lands potential acquisitions and project sites.
• Must be able to walk and maneuver on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to work safely in a noisy area with many odors present.

Required Experience:

Manager