Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Wildlife Division is charged with advancing the conservation, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s wildlife resources. The Division’s 282-acre Belding Wildlife Management Area (WMA), in Vernon, is managed for the conservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat, while also focusing on conservation education and wildlife-based recreation such as wildlife observation. Visitors to Belding are introduced to wildlife and natural resources management through various educational programs, demonstration sites and self-guided interpretive trails.

DEEP's Wildlife Division has a current opportunity for a Seasonal Resource Assistant at the Belding Wildlife Management Area (WMA), in Vernon. Under the supervision of the Belding WMA Wildlife Biologist, this Seasonal Resource Assistant position will directly support the management of habitats of Belding WMA, maintenance of the grounds including interpretive trails, educational programs and species monitoring. This property receives heavy public use and requires daily upkeep. The majority of work activities will take place at the Belding WMA facility, but maintenance activities may also be required at various other wildlife management areas throughout Connecticut. Travel to other work sites will be by State-owned vehicle.

The position is up to forty (40) hours per week. A typical work week is Monday through Friday. Starting time is 7:30am.

Salary: $11.00 – 13.00 per hour, based on experience. No benefits.

Length of position: Approximately 6 months (no more than 1,030 hours), starting March 29, 2019.

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

Questions about this position should be directed to: Jane Seymour, jane.seymour@ct.gov, 860-306-5418.

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

The selected candidate must be fluent in English, be at least 18 years old and have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. 

The selected candidate 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.

The selected candidate for this position must have prior experience with wildlife habitat management, species identification and environmental education.

 

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.

Duties may include the following:

(1) weed/invasive plant control (applying herbicides, pulling and mowing);

(2) trail maintenance and sign posting,

(3) planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers;

(4) fixing, installing, and maintaining signs;

(5) trash removal;

(6) species monitoring (birds, amphibians, invertebrates);

(7) conducting educational programs; 

(8) constructing, installing, and monitoring nest boxes;

(9) coordinating and working with volunteer assistants;

(10) data entry;

(11) boundary posting; and other duties as assigned.

Opportunities to assist on other field projects (e.g., goose banding, bird surveys, forest inventory, public outreach, etc.) may be made available as time allows and according to employee interest. Maintenance activities may also be required at various WMAs throughout Connecticut on occasion.

Ability to follow instructions.

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

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.