STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

Furbearer and Bear Program

Recruitment #180529-3492VR-003

Introduction

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division is charged with advancing the conservation, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s wildlife resources. The Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods office is located at a 777-acre wildlife management area in Burlington. It offers walking trails, an exhibit room, hunter safety information and licensing, as well as wildlife information.  

DEEP’s Wildlife Division has an opening for a Seasonal Resource Assistant position with the Furbearer and Bear Program. This program conducts research and management of black bears and furbearer species, such as bobcat, coyote, and beaver. Program biologists monitor the harvests of furbearer species for which hunting and/or trapping are allowed. They conduct research on the population status, reproduction, food habits, and habitat use of furbearers and bears. They propose regulation changes for the hunting and trapping of furbearers and bears. A substantial portion of the program responsibilities includes assisting the public with inquiries regarding wildlife, particularly addressing human-wildlife conflicts. This ranges from providing advice by phone or e-mail to on-site trapping efforts. The Resource Assistant will conduct office work, lab work, and field work.

Salary: $10.10 - $14.00, depending on education and/or experience.

The position is up to forty (40) hours per week. A typical work week is Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and evening work.

Length of position: Approximately 6 months (no more than 1,030 hours). Benefits and housing are not provided.

Selection Plan

This position is non-competitive. Open to the public.

The selected candidate must be fluent in English and be at least 18 years old. 

The selected candidate must have a valid motor vehicle operator license; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access; education and/or experience in wildlife biology/management or natural resources; strong communication, organizational and data entry skills; ability to work with a team and independently; ability to orient hike in forests off trails, traverse varied terrain (rocky slopes to wetlands), and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

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

Enters and organizes data into computer files, including furbearer sighting reports, necropsy data, bear and bobcat capture and handling data, and furbearer harvest reports.

Answers phone calls and e-mails from the public.

Records sightings and provides technical assistance, particularly advice on resolving human-bear conflicts.

Conducts radio-telemetry on collared bears and bobcats.

Orients to, and examines, specified field locations to locate and determine sites of predation, denning, or study-animal mortality.

Transports and sets bear traps at sites of human-bear conflict.

Assists with chemically immobilizing, tagging, and aversively conditioning black bears.

Locates and retrieves reported vehicle-killed bears and furbearers.

Assists in organizing field equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred candidate will have experience with radio-telemetry, chemical immobilization of wildlife, hand-held GPS units, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.

Must be able to lift and move heavy objects, such as bear traps and animal carcasses.

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.