Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division operates the Burlington State Fish Hatchery. The state's oldest hatchery, Burlington was constructed in 1923.  Artesian wells and nearby streams provide all of the water necessary for the operation thereby keeping the electrical needs at a minimum and making this the State of Connecticut's most cost effective facility.  Being near the top of the watershed ensures that land development will have little impact on its future operation.  The hatchery produces Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout for Fisheries Management Programs. 

One unique fish culture project is the Brown Trout “Survivor” Program.  It is intended to produce a strain of fish that is better suited to survive in the wild. Ideally the "Survivor" strain will behave like a wild trout, will be more temperature tolerant, will have better avian predator avoidance and will readily reproduce.  Annually, the Fisheries Staff collects fish from the West Branch Farmington River that have survived for more than one year and each fall transfer these fish to the Burlington facility to be used as brood stock. The offspring of these fish are returned to the West Branch Farmington River to grow and spawn thus increasing the number of "Wild" Brown Trout in the river. While research continues on the effectiveness of the program, the initial information indicates the program is working.  Prior to these efforts there were few “Wild” Brown Trout in the West Branch Farmington River. Now "Wild" Brown Trout catches are commonplace. Unique hatchery improvements have been put in place to protect fish growing in the outside ponds. Fencing and overhead netting has reduced predation and increased the number of fish available for stocking while providing easy access.

The Burlington State Fish Hatchery currently has multiple openings for Seasonal Resource Assistants. The positions are located at 34 Belden Rd, Burlington, CT 06013. 

Pay Rate:  Pay rate varies from $10.10 to $12.00 per hour depending on education and experience.  There are no benefits or paid holidays. 

The duration of these positions is six (6) months.

The positions are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. There are no benefits for these positions.

Note: Do not submit a cover letter. Applicants must only include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. 

Any inquiries regarding these positions must be made directly to: Richard VanNostrand  (860) 673-3695  Richard.VanNostrand@ct.gov.

 

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

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

The 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.

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.

Burlington Hatchery, general maintenance activities include but are not limited to: loading stocking trucks; stocking trout in lakes and rivers across the state; spawning, feeding and transporting fish within the hatchery.  Other duties may include building and grounds maintenance.  

Ability to follow instructions.

Fish hatchery and maintenance experience is 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.