Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

DEEP's Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut's 1.8 million acres of forested land. Throughout the Spring forest fire season, DEEP sends daily advisories on forest fire danger levels to DEEP's state park forest field staff, municipalities, fire departments and the media. Forest fire danger levels are classified at low, moderate, high, very high or extreme. In an average year approximately 500 acres of Connecticut woodland are burned by forest fires.  

DEEP's Forestry Division is currently recruiting for two (2) Seasonal Resource Assistant positions in the Forest Protection Program. One position will work out of the DEEP's Joseph Bigwood Forest Fire Headquarters/Middlebury Garage location in Middlebury (Western District) and one will work out of the Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough. Both positions will work throughout the assigned district and may work statewide as needed. 

Work week is unscheduled, but primarily Monday-Friday, some weekends.  Up to 40 hours a week, some overtime possible. 

Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.  

Salary: $11-14 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.  There are no benefits.

Length of positions: Starting March/April 2018.  Positions are 1030 hours in duration.

Applicants must attach a cover letter with their applications indicating which specific job location (listed above) they are interested in. (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.)  Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Teresa Munson, teresa.munson@ct.gov, (860)424-3187.

These positions are non-competitive. Open to the public.

Selected candidates must be fluent in English and be at least 18 years old. 

Selected candidates must possess and maintain adequate physical flexibility, strength and stamina to perform the duties (including work outside in inclement weather, work outside for extended periods), and work well with other staff and members of the public.

All candidates should have successfully completed S-130/190 Firefighter Training/Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

To assist Forest Protection Program and Fire Control Officer in carrying out programmatic duties.  Duties will include wildfire suppression, equipment and facility maintenance, hazard mitigation work, hose washing and testing, improving road and fire pond access, invasive species control work, prescribed burn area preparation, prevention program involvement, and other work as needed.  Performs work related to the maintenance and operation of DEEP managed lands and facilities including, but not limited to painting, cleaning, and mowing.  Operates necessary equipment; performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment; may drive fire response vehicles over 26,100 pounds.  May perform basic clerical duties.  These positions involve the use of machinery and power equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, pole pruners, leaf blowers, Bombardiers and UTVs. 

Ability to follow instructions.

Preferred criteria:  experience with wildfire response, building and maintaining fire equipment, chainsaws, GPS and/or Avenza. 

Possession of a CDL license or Q equivalent for fire apparatus preferred.

1. Incumbents in these classes who are assigned as patrol persons or supervisors of small recreational units will perform emergency first aid as needed and will be required to obtain and retain a Basic First Aid Certificate.

2. Incumbents in these classes may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:

a. Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license.

b. Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides.

c. College training in a specific field.

d. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific State facilities.

3. Incumbents performing patrol officer functions must currently possess Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certification or be eligible for POST recertification without completing the Basic Training program again (i.e. must be current or retired within two (2) years of last POST certified required employment) or Connecticut State Police (CSP) Academy certification (must be current or retired within two (2) years of last CSP certified required employment). Must pass a seasonal patroller training course as approved by the Connecticut State Police.

4. Incumbents performing lifeguard services must have and retain an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Certification (includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid). An EMT or MRT certification may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid requirements.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.

2. Incumbents performing lifeguard services must be able to demonstrate American Red Cross (ARC) waterfront lifeguarding swimming skills.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.