Sustainability & Conservation Planner

The Sustainability & Conservation Planner is responsible for tasks associated with the compliance and enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act the City of Amesbury Wetland Protection Ordinance and management of our open space and natural resources.

Duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar relates or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Reviews all Conservation Commission filings for completeness. Prepares a monthly staff report on all agenda items before the Commission. Monitors and follows up on all filings approved by the Commission (including some limited environmental monitoring and site evaluation) and keeps a detailed record revising forms as necessary. Files all information to ensure it is readily available to the Conservation Commission and the public for review.
• ActsonbehalfoftheConservationCommissionasassigned and advocates for applications in compliance with the WPA and the local Wetlands Ordinance.
• Workscooperativelyand effectivelywithCityofficialsemployeesgovernmentagenciesthepublicattorneysengineersconsultants residents and project applicants.
• Serves as an information resource researches issues and provides data to the Commission and other city addition prepares and presents reports correspondencepresentationsandotherwrittenmaterialfortheConservationCommissionrevieworforusebyotherCity officials administrative or judicial authorities.
• AttendsallmeetingsoftheConservationCommissionthe Open Space Natural Resources and Trails Committee andotherpublicmeetingsas necessary.
• Maintainsup-to-dateknowledgeoflocalstateandfederallawsandregulationspertainingtotheConservationCommission.
• Executesrelevantshort-andlong-rangeplansandobjectivesassociatedwiththeConservationCommissionandthe Open Space Natural Resources and Trails Committee.
• Assists the Director as needed in the supervision and coordination of long-range planning policy development and supervises the citys part-time Energy Manager
• Acts as the Citys Floodplain regulator for wetland and floodplain inquiries.
• WorksaccordingtoestablisheddepartmentandCitypoliciesandproceduresstandardsspecialdirectivesinstructionsand intent.
• Performs similar or related work as required directed or as situation dictates.

Received: Works under the direction of the Director of Community and Economic Developmentand acts as the staff liaison to the Conservation Commission through its Chair and Vice Chair and the Open Space Natural Resources and Trails Committee.

Exercised: Supervises and directed Energy Manager

Bachelors degree or advanced training in Environmental Science or related field and a minimum of five (5) years working in wetlands protection (preferably as a MA Conservation Agent) land conservation environmental management or closely related field; or an equivalent combination training and experience.

Possession of a Motor Vehicle Class D Operators License and a readily available vehicle.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of land protection and management and statutes and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission including the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act the City of Amesbury Wetlands Protection Ordinance and associated regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of wetland boundary identification/verification based on plant species and indicator status.
• IdentificationofhydricsoilsusingMunsellorsimilarcharts.
• Knowledge of relevant areas of pure and applied wetland science such as vegetation communities functions and values andreplication;rarespeciesrequirementsvernalpoolsandthecertificationprocess;erosioncontroltechniquesretention and detention ponds.
• General knowledge of the Green Communities Act including a focus on environmental quality sustainability climate change and the reduction of impacts on our natural resources.
• KnowledgeofcomputerprogramsincludingOffice365andtheCitysGISprogram(MiMAP);equipmentuseincluding digital camera field tools copier/scanner.
• Ability to interpret and enforce in an impartial manner state and local laws such as the Wetlands Protection Actandlocal wetland ordinance.
• Abilitytomanagemultipletasksinadetailedandeffectivemanner.
• Abilitytodealtactfullywithmembersofthepublicandestablisheffectiveworkingrelationshipswithcitystaff property owners designers contractors subcontractors and other code enforcement or regulatory agencies.
• Abilitytoapplypracticalintuitivereasoningtointerpretandapplywetlandregulationsinaconsistentand impartial manner.
• Abilitytoworkindependentlyandtocompletedailyactivitiesaccordingtoworkschedule.
• Abilitytounderstandfollowandtransmitwrittenandoralinstructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees supervisors and the public.
• Abilitytomeetattendanceschedulewithdependabilityandconsistency.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills; effective customer service and negotiation skills.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be enable individuals with disabilities to perform the positions essential functions.

Office of Community and Economic Development City Hall One Market Street. Work is largely scheduled during regular City Hall business hours but also includes evening meetings and occasional weekend field work. Some work is performed under typical office conditions. Some work is performed in the field in thick woods and in wet areas. There is exposure to various weather conditions including heat high wind rain and snow. There can be exposure to potential health hazards such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus plant irritations such as poison ivy and the hazards associated with site work and construction such as noise and heavy equipment.

Minimal physical effort required when performing under typical office conditions; moderate to strenuous physical effort frequently required in the field. Often required to stoop bend reach dig and lift. Physical agility is needed to access all areas of conservation lands potential acquisitions and project sites. May spend several hours at a time walking or standing. Occasionally work may require lifting pushing or pulling department equipment or materials.

Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples include operating a motor vehicle using a personal computer or climbing a ladder.

Employee is required to constantly read documents and construction drawings for general understanding and analytical purposes.

basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity and expression age genetic information national origin ancestry disability veteran status or membership in the armed services marital status or any other protected category under federal or state law.

• Fulltime35hourperweek
• $75-90K depending on qualifications & experience
• Non-exempt / Non-Union
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities