Energy and Environmental Protection Office Director (Program)

 

At the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment - and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy.   Connecticut’s system of state parks and forests, state boat launches, and waterways, provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.  These range from camping and fishing to hiking, boating, and picnicking.   The Bureaus of Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources lead the agency’s outdoor recreation efforts by acquiring and managing lands with an eye toward providing public use that is compatible with long term protection of natural resources.  

The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is hiring an Office Director for the Boating Division. The Office Director serves a critical need for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. There are 98,000 recreational boaters registered in Connecticut and that number about doubles during the boating season when transient boaters come into Connecticut. The Boating Division Office Director is tasked with ensuring the safety of recreational boaters, working to reduce fatalities, injuries and property damage associated with recreational boating fatalities, providing access to a variety of recreational boating experiences and providing best management opportunities for boaters to keep our waters clean and reduce the transport of invasive aquatic plants and animals.  Additionally, this position serves as the State’s Boating Law Administrator, a position required by the US Coast Guard as necessary to receive federal UCGG funding under the Recreational Boating Safety Grant.   According to a study conducted in 2012 by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, boating on Connecticut’s coastal waters has a ripple effect though out Connecticut’s economy, contributing an increase of $554.2 million in the state’s total output.  Combined with Connecticut’s inland waters and all the recreational activity that occurs there, and in consideration that 88% of the boats registered in Connecticut are under 26 feet and are considered trailerable, recreational boating is an important economic driver to Connecticut.  According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association recreational boating in the entire state of Connecticut has an annual economic impact of $1.3 Billion.

The following duties are required to be carried out by the Office Director for Boating:  

• Responsible for management and technical direction of major programs involving boating safety (including mandatory boating education and certification and the Safe Waterskiing Endorsement), boating access and infrastructure, navigation safety, abandoned boats, and clean water initiatives related to boating.      
• Assesses effectiveness of programs and recommends improvements. For all these programs, excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.  
• Directs staff and operations of the office and determines priorities to accomplish goals and objectives for the Division.
• Direct supervision of 4 full time employees; indirect supervision of 7 full time employees and 20 seasonal employees.  
• Prepares and oversees budgets of $4 million annually in both federal and state monies.       
• Administers 5 federal grants (from 2 federal agencies) and 3 state funds annually and ensures adherence to federal and state guidelines in administration and expenditure of those funds.  
• Recommends and drafts legislation and regulations relating to recreational boating safety and clean boating practices and considers inter-state consistency when developing and advocating for passage of laws/regulations relating to recreational boating safety. 
• Evaluates proposed rulemaking under the Federal Code of Regulations as it may affect state boating laws and regulations and the significance of compliance with standards and model acts established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.  
• Recommends testimony or comments on proposed legislation or rulemaking related to recreational boating safety and clean water initiatives as they may relate to boating.  
• Responsible for providing annual updates on boating laws and regulations to local law enforcement agencies that have marine patrols.  
• Responsible for assessing boating accident data and recommending actions to reduce fatalities, injuries and property damage statewide or locally.  
• Responsible for administration of the Boating Under the Influence Program whereby boaters arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol have their boating certificates administratively revoked by the Department.  
• Cultivates partnerships with other governmental agencies, including the USCG and state and local law enforcement agencies, boating related retailers and non-governmental agencies and organizations to promote boating safety and clean water initiatives.  
• Coordinates Connecticut’s grant submission to the USCG for Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) program funding as authorized under the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and ensures Connecticut is in compliance with program requirements.  For the RBS grant this includes administration and oversight for 1) a USCG approved vessel numbering system (administered in CT through Department of Motor Vehicles) 2) a cooperative agreement with the USCG that provides for joint responsibilities concerning law enforcement, accident investigation, search and rescue, marine events and USCG Auxiliary assistance on sole State waters; 3) assurance of sufficient enforcement patrols to support State boating safety laws and regulations; 4) mandatory State recreational boating safety education meeting the minimum standards adopted by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators; and 5) a marine casualty reporting system approved by the Secretary of the Interior and meeting requirements of 46 U.S.C. 6102 and 33 CFR Part 174.  
• Oversees the renovation, construction, operation and maintenance of 118 state boat launches.  Engages in reconnaissance for new boat launch opportunities.  Ensures safe access to the water from these sites.  Ensures CT is in compliance with federal grant requirements administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for motorboat access.  Secures bond funding and testifies in support of the need for funding.  Prioritizes schedule for renovations and major maintenance efforts at the state launches.  
• Administers the Boating Infrastructure Grant program to provide transient opportunities for boaters with recreational vessels 26 feet and larger.  Involves coordination with local municipalities and marinas.  Ensures federal and state award terms and conditions are followed by recipients.  
• Administers the Clean Vessel Act Program for both coastal waters and Candlewood Lake to keep boat sewage out of Connecticut waters.  Works with local municipalities, marinas and private entities to balance program needs and central office fiscal requirements.  
• Promotes clean boating practices and prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species in support of implementation of the CT Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.  
• Participates in training workshops relating to the RBS program grant and keeps knowledgeable regarding the National RBS Strategic Plan and federal, state and local partnerships to develop state-specific boating safety goals and strategies. Stays current on new or emerging technologies in recreational boating activities in order to address user conflict, safety, regulatory or other issues within Connecticut and our border states.  
• Utilizes basic knowledge of Parliamentary Procedures in conducting general meeting sessions as referenced by “Roberts Rule of Order” in order to fully participate as Boating Law Administrator.  
• Serves as DEEP liaison for various committees and Councils including the Connecticut Boating Advisory Council, Bantam Lake Advisory Committee, Amtrak Movable Bridge Committee and the Regional Lakes Task Force.  
• Prioritizes and maintains annual capital equipment requests for the Division  
• Exercise signatory responsibilities delegated to the Office Director of the Boating Division by the Commissioner.   ·       Responds to legislative requests, inquiries or complaints by the public related to assigned programs.  
• Works with numerous national organizations in addition to NASBLA to advance boating safety and environmental efforts related to recreational boating including the National Safe Boating Council, National Water Safety Congress, Watersport Industry Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, States Organization for Boating Access, United States Power Squadrons, and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and others.

Applicants are required to upload a cover letter with their submission.  (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.) 

Applicants are required to submit a resume on the resume tab with their submission.

Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Teresa Munson at teresa.munson@ct.gov  or  (860) 424-3187.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this class is accountable for the direction of the staff and programs of an office.

Responsible for management of a major program office; interprets and administers pertinent laws; meets with outside agencies to advise on departmental policies and procedures; serves as liaison with other agencies, municipal, state and federal governments; evaluates operations and projects assigned to office; makes recommendations for improvements; provides technical direction to unit staff; provides information to community; represents department at meetings; responds to inquires relating to assigned programs; may advise senior level staff on status of permits, process management, projects, legislation and policy and regulations pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility; directs staff and operations of office; determines priorities and coordinates, plans and manages activities; formulates office goals and objectives and ensures implementation of same; reviews and evaluates effectiveness of established or proposed policies and/or programs assessing options and developing recommendations for improvement; conducts performance evaluations; prepares reports and correspondence; recommends policy; drafts policy statements and regulations; prepares or assists in development of office budget; performs related duties as required.

 

Considerable knowledge of relevant environmental, energy, and conservation programs, laws and regulations; considerable knowledge of environmental protection and energy principles, practices and issues; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to apply relevant agency policies and procedures; ability to initiate and direct programs; analytical, negotiating and organizational skills.

 

Nine (9) years of professional experience in the area of environmental and/or energy regulatory or permitting programs or the operation of environmental and/or energy programs of large scale facilities.

1. College training in a scientific or technical discipline related to energy or environmental fields including but not limited to engineering, biological, physical, earth or environmental sciences, natural resources management, renewable energy, energy conservation or related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's Degree.

2. A Master's Degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to energy or environmental fields including but not limited to engineering, biological, physical, earth or environmental sciences, natural resources management, renewable energy, energy conservation or related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and administration of a state boating and paddling program.  
2. Excellent interpersonal, leadership and managerial skills.  
3. Ten years of progressively responsible boating experience with an outdoor recreation or natural resource agency with five years of supervisory experience managing a substantive organizational unit.  
4. Knowledge and experience working with federal and quasi-governmental organizations related to the field of Outdoor Recreation such as U.S Fish and Wildlife, US Coast Guard, NASBLA, SOBA, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, , Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference/Food and Drug Administration and.  
5. Experience effectively responding to potentially controversial issues and the ability to work effectively with senior government officials, legislators, diverse constituent groups and private citizens.

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.