CONSERVATION AGENT
Job Type: Benefits Eligible, 30 Hrs. Per Week, Monday - Thursday
Salary: $24.21 - $28.91 Per Hour
JOB OVERVIEW
The City of Easthampton is seeking the right candidate for the position of Conservation Agent to work with our Planning and Community Development Department. The Conservation Agent assists and advises the Conservation Commissioner and Planning Director in interpreting and enforcing the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and related local regulations. They provide consultation and information to residents and developers on conservation-related matters. The Agent performs administrative work and field inspections and prepares permits under the Wetlands Protection Act, the City Stormwater Ordinance, and related documents. The Conservation Agent also acts as the administrator of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Primary staff support to the Conservation Commission; receives applications, advises applicants on the process, develops agendas & meeting minutes, compiles agenda materials and supporting documentation; provides technical support and makes recommendations to the Commission. Maintains Commission files and provides incidental clerical support. Attends all Commission meetings.
- Writes, issues, and manages permits such as Orders of Condition, etc., voted for issuance following the Commission's conditions. Reviews permit applications for completion and presents permit applications to the Commission for approval. Sends issued permits to applicants and DEP, ensures compliance with permit requirements throughout construction, and manages records of permits.
- Inspects work sites on behalf of the Commission and following Commission votes, issues enforcement orders, and determines compliance.
- Ensures that the Board complies with deadlines and other requirements of the Wetlands Protection Act.
- Keeps current with legal precedents for Wetland Protection Act (WPA) changes and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) policies and resources.
- · Works with the Conservation Board on the formation of the City Wetland Protection Ordinance and manages regular evaluation and regulation updates.
- Develops, supports, and coordinates a wide range of short and long-term conservation opportunities, acquisitions, and management programs for the City. Primary staff person responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
- Manages the Conservation Commission's financial accounts under the supervision of the Treasurer and Planning Director, including the wetland revolving account and third-party review escrow accounts. Prepares purchase orders and invoices for payment and monitors spending.
- Acts as the Conservation Committee liaison for other City departments such as the Department of Public Works and Building Department, boards, and the general public.
- Provides information and technical assistance to the public and other departments, for example, Public Works and Inspectional Services, on conservation issues, open space, flood information, and grant opportunities.
- Coordinates and consults with the City Engineer regarding wetland and stormwater plans and impacts.
- Consults with and provides information to the public, developers, applicants, and other municipal departments and agencies regarding location of wetlands, flood plain, and flood hazard areas.
- Receive fees, prepare turnovers for the Collector, prepare bill schedules, and assist with budgeting.
- Advises the Building Department on required approvals associated with project approvals and issuance of building permits.
- Manages existing publicly owned lands and land for which the city holds a Conservation Restriction.
- Provides staff and technical support to the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPA) and assists in implementing the CPA’s recommendations on fund expenditures. Administers the program, including financial oversight and maintenance of records for all CPA grants. Meets with and advises applicants; prepares budget and forecasts revenue; prepares annual reporting, contracts for CPA grantees, and other CPA work as needed.
- Performs similar or related work as required or as the situation dictates.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Geology, Hydrology, Botany, or a closely related field and 1 to 3 years of related experience. Municipal experience or direct experience with the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act preferred, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
BENEFIT OPTIONS
- BCBS Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account Options
- Public Employee Retirement Plan
- 457(B) Retirement Options
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants who wish to be considered may submit a resume and application to the Human Resources Department, Municipal Building, 50 Payson Ave, Easthampton, MA 01027, or email their application to personnel@easthamptonma.gov on or before the closing date.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.21 - $28.91 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends
- Weekends as needed
Education:
Experience:
- Environmental Science: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person