STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Furbearer and Bear Program

Recruitment #231106-3492VR-001

Introduction


Interested in working closely with black bears, bobcats, and other furbearers? If so, we have an outstanding opportunity for you!


The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division is seeking to hire Seasonal Resource Assistants with the Furbearer and Black Bear Program, based at our Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area office in Burlington. 

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 email, to on-site live-trapping efforts. The Resource Assistant will conduct office work, lab work, and field work.
                       
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Length of position: Approximately 6 months (no more than 1,040 hours).
  • First shift - The position is up to forty (40) hours per week. A typical work week is Monday through Friday, with some weekend and evening work.
  • Salary: Depends on relevant education and/or experience. There are no benefits or housing with this position.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For technical support regarding the filing of your application in JobAps, please contact Nicholas Naples at Nicholas.Naples@ct.gov.

Any inquiries regarding the status of your application for this position must be made directly to: Brooks Pitman, 860-424-3722; Brooks.Pitman@ct.gov

CT DEEP encourages you to consider applying for seasonal opportunities at alternate locations as your application is under review.   

ABOUT DEEP
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

Please watch this video below to learn more: 

Selection Plan

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

IMPORTANT SELECTIONS INFORMATION
  • A valid driver’s license is required.
  • Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.
TO APPLY
  • Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY
  • The recruitment process may take several months. Due to volume, we are unable to give individual application updates. We encourage applicants to review their application status via their Personal Status Board on JobAps.
  • Please regularly check your email for notifications (be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.)

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Enters and organizes data into computer files, including furbearer sighting reports, necropsy data, furbearer capture and handling data, and furbearer harvest reports.
  • Answers phone calls and emails from the public. Records sightings and provides technical assistance, particularly advice on resolving human-bear conflicts.
  • Conducts radio-telemetry on collared animals. Orients to, and examines, specified field locations to identify 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • The selected candidate must have a valid motor vehicle operator license; 
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access; 
  • Education and/or experience in wildlife biology/management or natural resources; 
  • Strong communication, organizational and data entry skills; 
  • Ability to work with a team and independently; 
  • Ability to navigate off trail, traverse varied terrain (rocky slopes to wetlands), work outdoors in all weather conditions; 
  • Experience operating 4x4 vehicles in snowy/muddy conditions;
  • Experience with radio-telemetry, identifying tracks & sign, maintaining camera grids, moving/hauling trailers, chemical immobilization, operating hand-held GPS units, assisting with permitting and addressing human-wildlife conflicts, and the ability to maintain a positive work ethic;
  • Must be able to lift and move heavy objects >50lbs, such as bear traps and animal carcasses.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class who are assigned as 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 this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:
    1. Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license.
    2. Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides.
    3. College training in a specific field.
    4. 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.

PHYSICAL 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.

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.