STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

Diadromous Inland Fisheries Program

Recruitment #230120-3492VR-001

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Introduction


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


The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill a Seasonal Resource Assistant position in the Fisheries Division. 

The Fisheries Division is currently seeking to hire multiple Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistants to work with the Diadromous Inland Fisheries Program January through October 2023. The duty station for these field-oriented positions will be at the DEEP Marine Headquarters located at 333 Ferry Road in Old Lyme, CT.

Positions Include: (see details under Examples of Duties)  
Seasonal Resource Assistant:  Will be trained to work outside, in the field, across the State of Connecticut helping to restore and conserve highly migratory species of fish that live in both fresh and salt water (diadromous fish species).                                                                                                                     
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
Schedule: The positions are up to thirty-five (35) hours per week. Work hours may vary with field activity.

Anticipated Duration: January through October 2023. These positions are not to exceed 1,030 hours, or six (6) months. 

Salary: Depends on relevant education and/or experience. There are no benefits 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 division's positions must be made directly to the individual Division: Timothy.Wildman@ct.gov (860)447-4315 or Kevin.Job@ct.gov (860)447-4370.

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.

ABOUT THE BUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The mission of the Bureau of Natural Resources is to conserve and enhance Connecticut’s fish, wildlife and forest resources and to enhance opportunities for public use and appreciation. The Bureau of Natural Resources is made up of three Divisions (Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife) and a central office.

Please watch this video below to learn more: 
            

Selection Plan

This is a non-competitive recruitment, open to the public. Must have a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record, and be able to report to the Marine Headquarters each workday.

IMPORTANT SELECTIONS INFORMATION
  • Selected candidates must be fluent in English and be at least 18 years old.
  • Selected candidates 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.
  • 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

Transportation will be provided for all duties performed outside of the Marine Headquarters.

These EP SRAs will generally work outside, in the field, across the State of Connecticut helping to restore and conserve highly migratory species of fish that live in both fresh and salt water (diadromous fish species).  All of these diadromous fish species migrate into fresh water from the ocean during the spring; therefore, it is critical that the preferred candidate is available to begin working early to mid-March.

During this period, the SRAs will be trained by professional diadromous fish biologists and will often work side-by-side as a team with biologists and other SRAs.  Once trained, SRAs may also work independently by themselves.  A major objective of the Diadromous Fisheries Program is to monitor selected sites across the state for diadromous fish species.  Typically, these sites are at one of many “fishways” distributed around the state; fishways are structures that enable migratory fish species to swim above a dam to get to essential habitat located upstream of the dam.  Some of these fishways are equipped with monitoring equipment that allows for the counting of fish passing through the fishway.  SRAs will be trained to record and download data at these sites, as well as troubleshoot monitoring equipment. SRAs will also inspect fishways and clear them of debris as necessary to ensure adequate water flows down the fishway.

In addition, SRAs will also assist in transplantation of diadromous fish. Fish are trapped at “donor” streams with strong populations, loaded into transport trucks, and taken to other streams where they are released. The fish transplanted to “recipient” streams will reproduce and help restore the population of diadromous fish in that stream.  To effectively participate in this important program activity, SRAs must be able to run short distances with a net full of fish weighing up to 50 pounds.

SRAs will be trained in various methods to collect diadromous fish.  Collection methods include trapping, netting (gill, seine, or hoop nets), and electrofishing.  All of these collection methods require a SRA to have the ability to wade in chest-deep, flowing water over rocky, uneven stream bottoms.  SRAs will also be trained in species identification of collected fish, and collection of biological samples such as scale samples that can be used to determine the age of fish.

SRAs will also be trained to perform data entry, basic data analysis, and general facility maintenance. Examples of data entry and analysis activities include reviewing videos recorded at fishway monitoring sites to count number of fish passing through the facility and entering data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Facility maintenance can include general landscaping, fishway repair and maintenance, cutting grass, trimming trees and brush, cleaning, painting, and light carpentry.

Working as an SRA within the Diadromous Fisheries Program provides a great opportunity for individuals interested in learning more about fish populations and aquatic ecosystems in Connecticut. SRAs will get the opportunity to work outdoors on a variety of projects and gain basic scientific training in a fun, teamwork-oriented environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Recent college graduates with a degree in Fisheries Biology or general Biology.
  • Ability to perform strenuous field activities.
  • Preferred applicants will be able to work full-time for the entire recreation season and have related experience or training.

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.





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