Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $24.56/hr (FT 35 hrs/week) Union position

See full job details at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-assistant-conservation-agent-kingston-massachusetts/3008735312

Please see the full description at: https://www.kingstonmass.org/vertical/Sites/{14403534-636B-4C7F-A416-D66D8321CF44}/uploads/Assist_Conserv_Agent_June_21_EXTERNAL.pdf

The purpose of the Assistant Conservation Agent position is to provide assistance, support, and enforcement work for the Conservation Agent in carrying out the mandate and mission of the Conservation Commission to protect the community’s natural resources including its biodiversity, unique natural areas, wetlands and other water resources in accordance with the Conservation Commission Act (MGL Ch. 40 §8C), the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131 § 40) and associated Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Town of Kingston Wetland Protection By-Law (G.L. Ch. 13) and Regulations. The Assistant Conservation Agent also performs work of town-wide importance including open space and recreation planning, stormwater planning and mitigation, land management planning, floodplain management, and GIS mapping.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Open Space/Natural Resource Protection

Provides professional expertise in assisting the Commission and Agent with planning, acquisition, administration and management of municipal conservation land.  Many projects are accomplished in cooperation with volunteers, other boards and agencies. 

Specifically, the Assistant Conservation Agent:

  • Assists the Agent to identify unique local resources. Assists in prioritizing parcels for acquisition.
  • Assists the Agent to prepare Open Space and Recreation Plans to meet criteria for approval.
  • Assists the Agent in research and participates in on-site evaluations of parcels under consideration for acquisition, donation, conservation or agricultural preservation restrictions.
  • In the course of their work builds relationships with landowners, local and regional land trusts, the Open Space and Community Preservation Committees.
  • Assists the Agent to oversee/carry out land management tasks on approximately 1200 acres of Kingston open space for the benefit of the general public. Such work includes trail building and maintenance, installation of signage, fencing, and cleanup using hand and power tools.
  • Assists the Agent to patrol Town’s conservation land.
  • Together with the Agent, fosters good relations with abutters, builds “friends groups” and other support.
  • Assists in researching funding opportunities, applying for and managing grants.

Wetlands Protection

Assists the Commission and Agent with the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Kingston Wetlands Protection Bylaw as follows:

  • Advises applicants on wetland permitting processes for various projects, provides technical assistance and maintains office appointments.
  • Assures legal requirements and deadlines are met including postings, timeframes, minutes and other records.
  • Reviews Notices of Intent/other filings and associated documents/plans for accuracy, completeness and compliance with the laws and regulations. Ensures filing fees are calculated correctly.
  • Schedules meetings and hearings; processes and distributes/submits forms.
  • Arranges on-site inspections with Commissioners and Agent related to filings, permit compliance monitoring, and violations.  Prepares relevant forms/reports.
  • Under the supervision of the Agent, conducts environmental monitoring and assessments.
  • Processes forms; evaluates findings; drafts permits with associated conditions and documents.
  • Under the direction of the Agent may monitor construction to ensure compliance with permits.
  • Assists the Agent to respond to complaints and may investigate potential violations and takes/recommends appropriate action/remediation.
  • Maintains case files and materials including computer database; builds solid case record.

Municipal Stormwater Management

Assists the Agent in the administration of the Kingston Stormwater Management Plan in accordance with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Program under the Federal Clean Water Act.

Assists the Agent in the preparation, tracking and documenting activities required under the NPDES Annual Report (requirement since 2004) for submittal to the EPA and DEP to ensure compliance with the permit.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Reviews and may approve Building Permits for compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Reviews and comments on Planning Department applications for compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Maintains physical and digital organization of the Commission office, maintains regular office hours.
  • Keeps current by attending training sessions/workshops of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, the Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals and others as appropriate.
  • Attends public meetings and hearings of the Commission. Prepares Meeting Minutes.
  • Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, other written material, as needed for Commission causes.
  • Assists the Agent in the preparation and administration of the department’s operating budget, as well as the researching, preparation and administration of grant applications.
  • Assists in the collection of accurate data documenting the activity of the department.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, land use management, civil engineering or related field; a minimum of one year of related work experience; in wetlands protection, land conservation, environmental management or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements: CORI certification is required as a condition of employment. Valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and a readily available car.  

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge. Thoroughly understands the importance of biodiversity, water resource and open space protection. 

Although not required, knowledge of the following:  local and state statutes, regulations, and policies applicable to the Conservation Commission jurisdiction; working knowledge of land protection and management techniques; knowledge of local plants, natural communities, and wildlife; understanding of relevant areas of pure and applied wetlands science such as vegetation communities, functions, values, and replication; understanding of wetland boundary identification/verification based on plant species, indicator status, identification of hydric soils using Munsell or similar charts; knowledge of rare species, vernal pools and the certification process; and an understanding of geology, hydrology, erosion control techniques, stormwater management, environmental monitoring and assessment, geographic information system mapping. 

Ability.  Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically in oral, written and graphic form.  Ability to work independently, show initiative, solve problems. Ability to interpret technical data, read engineering maps and plans, critically analyze information. Ability to effectively manage their work, work cooperatively with the Commission, Agent and other volunteers, and organize Office activities effectively. Ability to deal professionally, tactfully and appropriately with town officials, town employees, government agencies, the general public, attorneys, engineers, consultants, contractors and project applicants.

Skill. Computer literacy including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, GIS, e-mail, web. Skill in using equipment such as a digital camera, projector, field tools including hand and power tools, GPS, water quality monitoring devices, copier, fax, phone system.  This job requires a strong knowledge of grammar and writing skills.  The ability to quickly and accurately prepare site visit reports, meeting minutes and other documents is a necessary skill needed to perform this job effectively. Extensive map reading skills and the ability to read and interpret complex information is also required. The ability to navigate through thick woods without getting lost is required. Proficient oral and written communication skills. Proficient customer service and conflict resolution skills.

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS REVIEWED STARTING JULY 7 To view the full job description please visit www.kingstonmass.org. Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston employment application found on the Town website under Human Resources and submit their résumé. Application materials can be emailed to personnel@kingstonmass.org, mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources, or hand delivered. Position is accepting applications until an offer is made.

The Town of Kingston is an EEA/AA employer