STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Habitat Management Program

Recruitment #230111-3492VR-005

Introduction



Are you looking to help protect Connecticut's beautiful landscape? If so, we have a terrific seasonal opportunity for you!


The Habitat Management Program manages a diversity of habitats on our system of 112 state-owned Wildlife Management Areas, as well as State Forests and other state and private lands. These lands support wildlife-based recreation, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing and the Habitat Program is responsible for managing and maintaining these areas to support that use. A range of techniques are used to manage habitat, including forest harvests, mulching and mowing, prescribed burning, invasive plant control, and open marsh water management. Areas require a variety of maintenance to support safe public access for wildlife-based recreation. Individuals will have the opportunity to work closely with state agency wildlife biologists and a wide range of staff responsible for managing wildlife habitat across the state. 


POSITIONS AVAILABLE (MORE DETAILS UNDER EXAMPLES OF DUTIES)

  • Seasonal Maintenance Supervisor: Assists in the maintenance of WMA properties under the supervision of a Wildlife Supervisor and/or EP Maintainer 3. Minimum age 18.
  • Seasonal Maintainer: Assists with maintaining public access areas and conducting habitat enhancement projects on wildlife management areas statewide. Minimum age 18.
  • Seasonal Technical Assistant: Assists with GIS mapping and database administration and provide habitat technical assistance. Minimum age 18.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Schedule: Most positions are typically first shift. 35 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM – 5:00 pm (hours flexible). Occasional weekend and evening work required.

Anticipated Duration: Start dates vary by position and run approximately 6 months and not more than 1,040 hours in duration.

Salary: $15-$19/hour depending on relevant education and/or experience. No benefits. 

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.

MISSION OF DEEP'S WILDLIFE DIVISION

To advance the conservation, use, and appreciation of Connecticut's wildlife resources.

We are a part of the Bureau of Natural Resources within the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The Bureau is charged with managing the State’s natural resources (particularly fish, wildlife, and forests) through a program of research, management, public education, and regulation. The Wildlife Division is comprised of several important programs that work together to conserve and manage wildlife:

  • Wildlife Diversity (which covers birds, reptiles and amphibians, small mammals including bats, invertebrates, and state and federally listed species.);
  • Habitat;
  • Technical Assistance with Wildlife;
  • Outreach and Education;
  • Wetland Habitat and Mosquito Management;
  • Furbearer;
  • White-tailed Deer/Moose;
  • Wild Turkey;
  • Small Game (rabbits, etc.) and Migratory Birds (waterfowl, rails, and upland game birds);
  • Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (Hunter Safety);
  • Natural Diversity Data Base (environmental review).
CONTACT INFORMATION

For technical support regarding the filing of your application in JobAps, please contact Benjamin Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.

For inquiries specific to the position and regarding status of your application, please contact Ann Kilpatrick at Ann.Kilpatrick@ct.gov

To learn more about what it's like as a Seasonal Resource Assistant, check out the video below! 
              

Selection Plan

This is a non-competitive recruitment, open to the public.

IMPORTANT SELECTIONS INFORMATION

Selected candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid motor vehicle operator's license along with the following:

  • Experience towing utility trailers (max. 20 feet; under 10,000 lbs.) and operating and maintaining chainsaws, brush saws and other power tools, lawn and brush mowers (DR, X-mark, Model 3520 John Deere tractor w/bush hog, auger and backhoe attachments) and spray equipment (backpack units (up to 40lbs) and truck mounted tank);
  • Experience using maps to locate sites and keep a written record of existing land uses, maintenance needs, and daily activities/accomplishments;
  • Desire to obtain a DEEP (governmental) pesticide applicator’s license and assist in applying herbicides on undesirable vegetation (training, study documents and testing will be provided by DEEP at no cost to the employee);
  • Experience working as a team member or independently;
  • Possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the required duties and willing to work out-of-doors in natural habitats in a variety of adverse weather conditions and under potentially hazardous field conditions (e.g., bee stings or insect bites, poison ivy, rocky or uneven terrain, etc.)
  • 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

Seasonal Maintenance Supervisor: Assists in the maintenance of WMA properties under the supervision of a Wildlife Supervisor or an EP Maintainer 3.  Provides training and oversight to Seasonal Maintainers; operates machinery and power equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, tractors, and power tools; performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment; may perform highly skilled work in carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repairs or other skilled trade.  May drive vehicles rated at ¾ Ton Gross Vehicle Weight or less. Minimum Age: 18
Special Requirements: Extensive knowledge and experience in maintenance of a WMA property or facility and/or a related skilled trade. Experience towing utility trailers (max. 20 feet; under 10,000 lbs.)

Seasonal Maintainer: Performs work related to the maintenance and operation of DEEP managed lands and facilities including, but not limited to, herbicide application, weeding, litter pickup, facility cleaning, mowing, raking, and painting. Use maps to navigate to sites in rural or off paved road areas throughout the state.  May use hand tools; may drive vehicles rated at 3/4 Ton Gross Vehicle Weight or less. Positions are also available for those with additional levels of training and experience. These positions involve the use of machinery and power equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, tractors, medium duty vehicles and the use of skills in carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repairs, grounds maintenance.  Minimum Age: 18
Special Requirements:  Previous experience in janitorial work, landscaping or a skilled trade preferred; must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Seasonal Technical Assistant: Creates and manages GIS maps through Esri ArcPro software.  Gather and summarize data from wildlife habitat program to disperse to both internal and external stakeholders.  Update and maintain project and expenditure tracking databases. Assist in preparation of written technical assistance documents.
Special Requirements: Training and experience in Esri ArcGIS; MS Office Suite.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with habitat management practices for wildlife and invasive plant identification.

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:

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.

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.