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 Wildlife Division's Sessions Woods office is located at a 777 acre wildlife management area in Burlington. It offers walking trails, an exhibit room, hunter safety information and licensing, as well as wildlife information. 

DEEP's Wildlife Division is seeking to hire Seasonal Resource Assistants with the Furbearer and Bear Program, based at our Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area office in Burlington, CT. 

This program conducts research and management of black bears and other furbearer species, such as bobcats, coyotes, and beavers. Program biologists monitor the harvests of furbearer species for which hunting and/or trapping are allowed. They conduct research on the population status, reproduction, food habits, and habitat use of furbearers and bears. They propose regulation changes for the hunting and trapping of furbearers and bears. A substantial portion of the program responsibilities includes assisting the public with inquiries regarding wildlife, particularly addressing human-wildlife conflicts. This ranges from providing advice by phone or e-mail to on-site trapping efforts. 

The Seasonal Resource Assistant will conduct office work, lab work, and field work. 

• The positions are up to forty (40) hours per week. A typical work week is Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and evening work. 
• The pay rates are between $12.00 to $14.00 per hour depending on the individuals education and/or experience.
• The approximate length of the position is six months, no more than 1,030 hours. 
• Benefits and housing are not provided. 

Please do not submit a cover letter. Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the "Resume Tab" of your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. 

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

The selected candidates must have a valid motor vehicle operator license. 

• Enters and organizes data into computer files, including furbearer sighting reports, necropsy data, bear and bobcat capture and handling data, and furbearer harvest reports.

• Answers phone calls and e-mails from the public. Records sightings and provides technical assistance, particularly advice on resolving human-bear conflicts.

• Conducts radio-telemetry on collared bears and bobcats. Orients to, and examines, specified field locations to locate and determine sites of predation, denning, or study-animal mortality.

• Transports and sets bear traps at sites of human-bear conflicts.

• Assists with chemically immobilizing, tagging, and aversively conditioning black bears.

• Locates and retrieves reported vehicle-killed bears and furbearers and Assists with necropsies.

• Assists in organizing field equipment.

• Experience with radio-telemetry, chemical immobilization of wildlife, hand-held GPS units, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts; 
• The ability to lift and move heavy objects, such as bear traps and animal carcasses. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access; 
• Education in Wildlife Biology/Management or Natural Resources; 
• The ability to work with a team and independently; 
• The ability to orient hike in forests off trails, traverse varied terrain (rocky slopes to wetlands); 
• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions; 
• The ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals by phone, e-mail, and face to face contact; 
• The ability to enter data quickly and efficiently while remaining organized. 

2. Incumbents in this class 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 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.