Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), 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.  The mission of the Bureau of Natural Resources (BNR) is to conserve and enhance Connecticut’s fish, wildlife and forest resources and to enhance opportunities for public use and appreciation. BNR is charged with managing the state’s natural resources (particularly fish, wildlife, and forests) through a program of regulation, management, research, and public education.  

BNR's Fisheries Division has a current opportunity for a Seasonal Resource Assistant for the Commercial Fisheries Statistics Project. The job duties will primarily consist of office related work but will also include fieldwork participation (approx. 1 day/week) surveying recreational anglers along CT’s coastline. 

This position offers experience working with and understanding Connecticut’s commercial and recreational fisheries as well as exposure to the fisheries management and regulatory process. The fieldwork portion collects recreational angling data. Anglers will be recruited to voluntarily report their fishing trip information through intercept (questionnaire) creel forms and a post marked angler survey catch card. Angler survey data is a component used to determine recreational harvest of marine fish species. This data is critical for stock assessment purposes and ultimately for managing the marine recreational fishery.  This position offers experience working with and understanding Connecticut’s commercial and recreational fisheries as well as exposure to the fisheries management and regulatory process.

The office work will be conducted during normal business hours Monday through Friday with a 35 hour work week.  The field work may be conducted outside of normal business hours but generally occurs between 6:00am and 8:00pm.

The project location is based out of DEEP Marine Headquarters in Old Lyme, CT, and the employee would be expected to drive to Old Lyme each workday for office work or field work.  

Length of position: Anticipated total duration is 1030 hours; non-contractual.

Pay rate: $11.00 - 14.00 per hour based on education and experience. There are no health benefits.  

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

For more information about this position contact;  Matthew Gates, Mathew.Gates@ct.gov or Renee St. Amand, Renee.St.Amand@ct.gov.    

An overview of all Marine Fisheries Projects can be found on the CT DEEP Fishing web page:  www.ct.gov/deep/fishing.    

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 driver'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.

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.

Statistics project Seasonal Resource Assistants are primarily responsible for receiving, data entry and error checking of catch reports submitted monthly by commercial fisherman, seafood dealers, personal use lobster and personal use Menhaden gill net license holders.  In addition, the work involves routine phone or written follow-up with license holders and commercial fishermen regarding incomplete catch reports. 

The fieldwork job duties include interacting with the fishing public; interviewing marine anglers from shore, boat launches, at marinas and on party/charter boats. Additional duties consist of answering questions queried by the public and providing fisheries related information.

Ability to follow instructions.

Preferred applicants will be able to work full-time for the full 1030 hours (approx. 6 months) and have related experience or training such as:  

·        actively pursuing or have completed a college degree in the biological sciences with coursework in fisheries or a related field; degree is preferred but not required

·        proficiency in marine fish identification

·        proficiency in use of Microsoft Access, WORD, Excel, Power Point

·        proficiency in data entry and data analysis

·        experience with fishing and techniques

·        experience in field data collection and editing

·        experience in conducting surveys or customer service

         proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Access

·        proficiency in data entry and quality assurance/control procedures

·        excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

·        attention to detail

·        understanding of fishing regulations

·        proficiency in fish identification and use of dichotomous keys

·        ability to follow documented survey procedures

·        ability to travel to assigned fishing access sited to interview anglers about their fishing experiences

·        ability to occasionally work on head boats (for-hire vessels) for at-sea data collection

·        ability to complete survey forms

Besides an educational background in fisheries management, working with commercial fishermen is a plus.

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.