Conservation Agent

Position Title: Conservation Agent

Statement of Duties

Administers the Wetlands Protection Act and Town of Scituate Wetlands Bylaws, Rules and Regulations in conjunction with the Scituate Conservation Commission

The Scituate Conservation Commission is charged with the mandate and general mission of the protection and stewardship of the Town’s natural resources The Conservation and Natural Resources Officer works on behalf of, and in conjunction with, the Conservation Commission in the implementation of this mandate and mission. Consistent with the direction of the Town Administrator and/or Commission, the Officer must be able to act without direct guidance in some situations and be able to exercise good judgment in those situations.

Provides support, coordination, and professional management for the Conservation Commission in carrying out its mandate and its mission to protect the community's natural resources including its bio-diversity, unique natural areas, beach and barrier properties, open space, wetlands, and other water resources. Specifically, regulatory, technical, inspection, managerial, and administrative work in enforcing the provisions of conservation and wetlands protection laws, bylaws, and regulations, and in the acquisition and management of Town-owned open space and conservation land.

Uses professional expertise, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to accomplish varied functions that range in nature from routine to complex and that require considerable independent judgment and initiative in determining courses of action not clearly defined by precedent, statute, or established guidelines, and in carrying out Conservation Commission-established guidelines and decisions, and in making recommendations concerning land use management and acquisition. The Conservation Commission is the final determining authority on all wetlands and open space issues.

Supervision
Works under the direction of the Town Administrator, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Works with minimal supervision. Provides professional supervision for the Commission's work and projects. Supervises departmental staff and contracted consultants. Occasionally will oversee volunteers working on Conservation land or Commission projects.

Job Environment

Some work is performed under typical office conditions. Some work is performed in the field, in beach and coastal dune areas, in thick woods, and in wet areas. There is exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, ocean tides, high wind, rain and snow. There can be exposure to potential health hazards, such as plant irritants such as poison ivy, and the hazards associated with site work and construction such as noise and heavy equipment. Operates a computer and standard office equipment.

Work schedule is largely during business hours, but also includes regular evening meetings, some early morning, evening, and weekend field work and site visits. Attendance at relevant training sessions and professional meetings is expected.

On-call 24/7 for instant and emergency response required by Department of Public Works and Fire Department in case of contamination spills, drainage emergencies, and the like.

Makes regular contact with town departments; county, regional, state, and federal agencies; professional associations and other non-profit organizations; developers; attorneys; engineers; and the general public. Contacts involve discussing complex environmental laws and regulations and methods of approach and procedures, as well as meeting routine requirements; requires excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Has access to limited confidential information; most information is available to the public. Errors could result in delay and confusion, have monetary and/or legal repercussions, and cause adverse public relations.

Essential Functions
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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/General Resource Protection
Assists the Commission in planning, acquisition, administration, and management of municipal conservation land:

Helps identify unique local resources; prioritize parcels for acquisition, set goals and criteria.

Performs field inspections and site evaluations as well as wetland evaluations

Coordinates Commission public hearings, DEP hearings, court hearings.

Facilitates open space, land conservation, and community projects.

Reviews requests from Town departments, boards, or agencies for information, guidance, or recommendations regarding wetlands, open space and environmental stewardship and prepares and reviews reports for the Commission’s review and action.

Helps prepare Open Space and Recreation Plans to meet State criteria for approval.

Serves as advisor/liaison to other Town boards/departments as directed by the Town Administrator

Researches and conducts on-site evaluations of parcels under consideration for acquisition, donation, conservation, or agricultural preservation restrictions.

Builds relationships with landowners, local and regional land trusts, Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee.

Researches/proposes management approaches and plans that provide a diversity of habitats and other conservation values.

Researches, prepares, implements and updates Land Management Plans for Town-owned conservation lands.

Researches, pursues, and coordinates grant and other funding opportunities for land acquisition and management.

Writes land acquisition proposals and manages land acquisition grants.

Reviews annually Town’s Water Conservation Plan.

Oversees/carries out management tasks such as trail building and maintenance, signage, and cleanup.

Assures compliance with rules and regulations for conservation lands; issues needed permits; and addresses user problems.

Wetlands Protection:

Assists the Commission in the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Carver Wetlands Protection Bylaw as follows:

Administers and coordinates the local application of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town’s Wetlands Protection Bylaw.

Coordinates the acquisition and management of designated natural resources and conservation lands.

Provides public assistance, information on environmental matters, and technical assistance.

Reviews requests for Town departments, boards, or agencies for information, guidance, or recommendations regarding wetlands and prepares reports for the Commission’s review and action.

Works with Waterways Commission to investigate, safeguard and promote water resources to assure groundwater and surface water quality.

Enforces the Town of Scituate Stormwater Bylaw in coordination with the Conservation Commission, Town Planner and Planning Board

Advises the Commission on appropriate components of Orders of Conditions, delineation of wetlands, relevant regulations, and other wetland issues.

Advises Commission on enforcement actions needed, prepares and enforces Orders

Serves as member of Town’s Development Review Committee to insure oversight of all wetlands issues in development process

Acts as liaison with other Town departments, boards, and the general public and provides technical assistance to other Town boards and officials on land use and environmental issues. Delineates wetland boundary lines for Town projects. Testifies as to their assurance at public hearings and, if necessary, at court trials.

Conducts review of field delineations, sensitive areas, presence of rare species, etc. Arranges and conducts, along with Commissioners, on-site inspections related to filings, permit compliance monitoring. Prepares relevant forms/reports.

Engages technical expertise/consultants as needed.

Reviews Notices of Intent/other filings and associated documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the law and regulations. Processes forms; evaluates findings; submits recommendations to the Commission; drafts permits with associated conditions and other documents.

Inspects and confirms compliance with the Commission’s and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Order of Conditions and Superseding Orders of Conditions. Monitors construction to ensure compliance with permits.

Investigates, for the Conservation Commission, complaints and violations and initiates enforcement action subject to the Conservation Commission’s prior and/or subsequent approval.

Maintains case files and materials including computer database; builds solid case record.

Participates in writing/passing/amending the wetlands bylaw/associated regulations.

Coordinates, compiles, conducts and submits applications for Community Rating System (CRS) annual program on behalf of the Town.

Additional Responsibilities:

Participates in public hearings, representing the Commission on conservation and environmental issues; serves on committees as required; reviews proposed site plans for potential impacts on the environment and wetlands.

Keeps current by attending training sessions/workshops as appropriate.

Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written material for Commission review.

Prepares operating budget and annual report.

Manages Commission office, maintains regular office hours.

Performs similar or related work as required by the Commission or as the situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, wetlands science, natural resources or related field required, Masters preferred. Minimum five (5) years experience in wetlands protection, land conservation, environmental management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

Professional Wetland Scientist Certificate helpful
Valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

State Ethics Commission test

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Scituate Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Working knowledge of:

The Federal Clean Water Act (section 404)

The State Clean Water Act (section 401)

The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

M. G. L. Chapter 91

Local zoning bylaws

Open Meeting Law

Conflict of Interest Law

Rare species requirements, vernal pools and the certification process.

Principles of storm water management including Low Impact Development

Erosion control techniques, retention and detention ponds.

Understands the importance of biodiversity, water resource, and open space protection.

Understands the principles of land protection and management.

Understand the relevant areas of pure and applied wetlands science such as vegetation communities, functions and values, replication.

Knowledge of Geology and hydrology helpful

Ability:

Ability to deal appropriately and tactfully with town officials, town employees, the general public, attorneys, engineers, consultants, and governmental agencies.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical specifications and site plans.

Ability to conduct independent research, interpret results, show initiative, and solve problems.

Ability to read and understand site plans.

Ability to communicate clearly in written, oral, and graphic form and to critically analyze information.

Ability to make fair and impartial decisions with the utmost integrity

Ability to prepare technical reports and grant applications.

Effectively manage an office, work cooperatively with the Commission, and organize Commission activities effectively.

Skill:

Computer literacy including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, e-mail, web

Proficient with ArcMap or similar GIS applications

Equipment use including digital camera, projector, field tools, copier, fax, phone system.

Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort required when performing functions 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 needed to access all areas of conservation lands, potential acquisitions, and project sites. May spend several hours at a time walking or standing. Ability to distinguish fine color variations.

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,548.00 - $84,630.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person