Introduction
The Fisheries Division is currently seeking to hire Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistants to work with the Habitat Conservation and Enhancement Program from April through September 2026. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to engage in aquatic habitat and fish community assessments, permit reviews, aquatic habitat enhancement projects, and to work collaboratively with staff from across the agency on projects to protect the state’s aquatic resources.
This position represents an opportunity to work on a variety of different projects such as removing 30+lb Grass Carp removal on Candlewood, evaluating bridges and culverts for fish passage, working with GIS/GPS, and learning about various State permitting procedures. This position will provide varied experiences/skills and is based out of a beautiful State Park.
The duty station of this position is the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Western District Headquarters located at 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT, however, the job duties are field-oriented across the state but also entail office-based tasks. Schedule is 35 hours per week, six months from date of hire but no greater than 1040 hours total. Anticipated period of employment from April through September 2026.
Roles and responsibilities include:
- Assisting Fisheries Biologists with the administration of the Grass Carp Permitting program including field inspection of applicants’ ponds and data entry;
- Performing stream crossing assessments using the Northeast Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative Protocol
- Backpack electrofishing and other field sampling activities;
- Assisting biologists with aquatic habitat enhancement projects;
- Other duties, as assigned.
Selection Plan
Next Steps:
- If selected for interview, applicants will be contacted by the divisions hiring supervisor anticipated for March/April of 2026.
- If offered employment, new-hires must complete all new-hire paperwork prior to their first day of employment. This includes providing a copy of a state issued ID and acceptable documents as required for Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 form).
- Employment is contingent upon completion of a background check, which includes a review of employment, criminal and motor vehicle.
- DEEP is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment that complies with policies relating to safety, diversity, discrimination, and harassment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete mandatory trainings in the above areas, via an online platform prior to beginning on-site work duties.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Ability to follow instructions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of or experience working with freshwater fish species commonly found in CT;
- College level course work and/or experience in one or more of the following; aquatic biology, limnology, water quality monitoring, ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field;
- Familiarity with (or ability to learn) the identification of freshwater aquatic vegetation;
- GIS Experience;
- Boating experience and CT Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation is a plus;
- Must possess a valid driver’s license;
- Must be able to work in the field independently after initial training period;
- Must have ability to interact with members of the public in courteous and professional manner;
- Must be willing to work outside in variable weather conditions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class who are assigned as 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.
- Incumbents in this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:
- Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license.
- Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides.
- College training in a specific field.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific state facilities.
- 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
- Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.
- 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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.