STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Environmental Protection Program Specialist (Recreation)

Recruitment #220113-3436EE-001

Introduction



Looking for a career working with Connecticut's beautiful landscape?
If so, we invite you to check out this opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Parks and Public Outreach Division is currently recruiting for a Recreation Program Specialist in Hartford to lead the Recreational Trails and Greenways Program.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an experienced, innovative, and proven leader in the field of outdoor recreation. The Recreation Program Specialist oversees programs of the Division of State Parks and Public Outreach’s Connecticut Recreational Trails & Greenways Program. Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to (See "Examples of Duties" section for more):
  • Administrating state and federal grant programs.
  • Serving as liaison for State Parks to many agencies, municipalities, non-profits and volunteer groups.
  • Serving as a resource to DEEP staff on trail related matters such as planning, project management, maintenance best practices.
  • Providing support to the Department’s work to explore collaboration with the private sector to offer additional outdoor recreation amenities to the public.
  • Providing Division-wide technical training and support.
  • Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to support department wide goals in the advancement of outdoor recreation and trail use across Connecticut.
  • Supervising and/or leading seasonal and clerical staff as assigned.
The position will work out of our downtown Hartford Office, located at 79 Elm Street, across from historic Bushnell Park.

This is a full time, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday position with an option for telework some portion of the week. Some night and weekend work and travel are expected.

We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year!

ABOUT US

Connecticut’s system of state parks and forests, trails, state boat launches, and waterways provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. These range from camping and hiking, boating, and many more activities.

The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation leads 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.

CT State Parks is the owner and manager of the largest trail system in the state; over 2,000 miles of trails which are contained on State Park and Forest lands and connecting to other trail systems.

For an inside look at what it's like to Make an ImpaCT as a State of Connecticut Employee, check out the video below:
         

Selection Plan

All state employees shall follow Executive Order 13G (as amended by Executive Order 14C).

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process. 

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board  (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam. 

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Jake Ferrari at jake.ferrari@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, this class is accountable for overseeing major, complex and/or specialized recreation programs and/or projects as well as acting as a technical advisor to field/staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Specific responsibilities of Recreation Program Specialist will include but not be limited to:
  • Administers DEEP’s state and federal grants associated with trails and greenways. Coordinates with the agency staff on contract management including procurement, selection, contracting, billing, and reporting, providing support to grantees while they are under contract.
  • Provide leadership and support to the Department’s efforts to encourage and explore opportunities for collaboration with the private sector that support our outdoor recreation mission by providing new and expanded recreational opportunities for the public.
  • Serves as DEEP’s liaison to The CT Greenways (CGC) and Equine Advisory Council. Acts as liaison to many agencies, municipalities, non-profits and volunteers including: CT DOT Bike/Ped Plan Update Advisory Committee, CT DOT Transportation Alternatives Program, statewide trail user groups such as CT Forest & Park Association, New England Mountain Biking, CT Off Road Enthusiasts (COREC), and national organizations such as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and American Trails. 
  • Works with motorized and non-motorized user groups, landowners, constituents, and Federal, State and local agencies.
  • Supervises the development of promotional, educational, and environmental materials for public multi-use, OHRV, snowmobile and non-motorized trails for printing and public distribution, and the website.
  • Coordinates trail planning efforts and develops trail program goals such as the implementation of the State Parks Trail Use Policy, DEEP Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and property management and acquisition reviews. Reviews trail design plans for soundness of design, operational practicality, and environmental impact.
  • Promotes the proper use of trails throughout the state and protects their integrity for future generations. Performs research and information gathering activities on the economic benefits of trails, and improved environmental design of trails.
  • Reviews and/or advises on public recreation rules and regulations as it relates to programs under purview. Advises and/or instructs Park and Recreation Supervisors on programs, policies and regulations involving recreational resource management, trail use, design, construction, and maintenance.
  • Assists in the coordination and implementation of recreation programs that promote the use of recreational trails such as CT Greenways Day and the CT Trail Symposium.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of park administration, operation and maintenance; considerable knowledge of land use planning and/or design; knowledge and ability to initiate and direct natural resource management programs; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to utilize computer software; ability to read and/or interpret architectural and engineering documents; some supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of technical experience in the development, operation and maintenance of parks and outdoor recreation facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in natural resources management, park administration or related may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling 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 natural resources management, park administration or related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with contracting methods, standards and specifications, and their legal relationships and requirements
  • Experience with contract development and management
  • Experience collaborating with the private sector to expand or enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Experience working with environmental regulatory agencies and environmental regulations
  • Experience in project management and trail construction best practices
  • Experience communicating in person, on the phone, and in writing with a variety of parties, including co-workers and the public
  • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and working independently

Conclusion

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.