STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

Goodwin State Forest

Recruitment #180320-3492VR-005

Introduction

The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center is located in the James L. Goodwin State Forest, a beautiful 2,000-acre property with three ponds and 14 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, cross country skiing and horseback riding. Currently there is a public/private partnership with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.  

DEEP, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, State Parks & Public Outreach Division, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, Hampton, is currently seeking to fill multiple Seasonal Resource Assistant positions.

Please note: Applicants that have previously applied to a seasonal opening at this location do not have to reapply. Your application will continue to be considered for seasonal employment.  

CT DEEP encourages you to consider applying for seasonal opportunities at alternate locations as your application is under review.  

Positions include:

Interpretive Guide:   Acts as primary visitor contact, works to increase the public's understanding, appreciation, enjoyment of, and concern for the natural resources of our State Parks. Minimum Age:  18

Seasonal Maintainer: Performs work related to the maintenance and operation of DEEP managed lands and facilities. Minimum Age:  18

Positions are part-time, 20 – 35 hours/week, with flexible schedules required for night and weekend work, especially for the interpretive guide (naturalist) position.  There are one or two maintainer positions, one for grounds and building maintenance and the other in horticulture.

Approximate Dates of Employment:  mid-April – mid-October   

Pay rates are $10.10 -14.00/hr. depending on relevant skills and experience.  

Length of positions:  anticipated start dates vary by position and runs through the recreation season; anticipated duration is a maximum of 1030 hours.  Most positions are typically first shift, but other positions will be second or third shift. Typically positions are 5 days per week, and include mandatory weekend shifts. 

Applicants must upload a cover letter with their applications indicating which specific job positions (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.       

Selection Plan

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

Selected candidates must be fluent in English and be at least 16 years old or 18 years old, depending on the position. 

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.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The interpretive guide (naturalist) is responsible for scheduling and providing programs for the general public, schools, educators and those who use and impact Connecticut's forests, including landowners, foresters, loggers and municipal land use commissioners.  They also play a key role with the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center’s Master Naturalist Program. Acts as primary visitor contact, works to increase the public's understanding, appreciation, enjoyment of, and concern for the natural resources of our State Parks; conducts a variety of interpretive programs including, but not limited to, lectures, classes, tours, field walks, canoe trips, campfire programs, and special events to a wide variety of audiences; may assist with program development; cleans Nature Center, displays and animal cages/tanks; feeds and cares for animals. Minimum Age:  18. Special Requirements:  A background in either the natural sciences or education is preferred; may be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.   Approximate Dates of Employment:  mid-February – mid-August, mid-April – mid-October and mid-May – mid-November. 

The seasonal maintainer (horticulturist) performs work related to the gardens and grounds of James L. Goodwin Forest & Conservation Center including, but not limited to, garden maintenance, weeding, planting, assisting volunteers with garden maintenance, and garden education including giving tours of the garden and assisting with interpretive signage in the gardens. Use of equipment such as tractors and weed whackers. This position is primarily outdoors and may require work in adverse weather conditions and some heavy lifting.  Preferred candidate should have a good working knowledge of basic horticulture and garden maintenance. Ability to work as part of a team, experience working with volunteers and the public are preferred. Minimum Age:  18.

The other seasonal maintainer performs work related to the maintenance and operation of DEEP managed lands and facilities including, but not limited to, litter pickup, cleaning, mowing, raking, and painting. May use hand tools; may direct traffic in parking lots; may drive vehicles rated at 3/4 Ton Gross Vehicle Weight or less. Positions are also available for those with additional levels of training and experience. These positions involve the use of machinery and power equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, tractors, medium duty vehicles and the use of skills in carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repairs, grounds maintenance.   Minimum Age:  18.   Special Requirements:  Previous experience in janitorial work, landscaping or a skilled trade preferred; must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred applicants will be able to work full-time for the entire recreation season and have related experience or training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

PHYSICAL 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.

Conclusion

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.