About the position
The Conservation Agent plays a crucial role in assisting and advising the Conservation Commissioner and Planning Director in the interpretation and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and related local regulations. This position involves providing consultation and information to residents and developers on various conservation-related matters. The Agent is responsible for performing administrative tasks, conducting field inspections, and preparing permits under the Wetlands Protection Act and the City Stormwater Ordinance. Additionally, the Agent acts as the administrator of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding, ensuring that the city’s conservation efforts are well-supported and effectively managed. In this role, the Conservation Agent serves as the primary staff support to the Conservation Commission. This includes receiving applications, advising applicants on the process, developing agendas and meeting minutes, and compiling necessary documentation. The Agent also provides technical support and recommendations to the Commission, maintains Commission files, and attends all Commission meetings to ensure that all proceedings are documented and managed appropriately. The Agent is tasked with writing, issuing, and managing various permits, such as Orders of Condition, which are voted for issuance following the Commission's conditions. They review permit applications for completeness, present these applications to the Commission for approval, and ensure compliance with permit requirements throughout construction. The Agent also inspects work sites on behalf of the Commission, issues enforcement orders, and determines compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act. Furthermore, the Conservation Agent keeps abreast of legal precedents and changes related to the Wetlands Protection Act and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) policies. They work collaboratively with the Conservation Board to develop the City Wetland Protection Ordinance and manage regular evaluations and updates to regulations. The Agent is responsible for developing and coordinating a wide range of conservation opportunities, acquisitions, and management programs for the City, facilitating the implementation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Financial management is also a key responsibility, as the Agent manages the Conservation Commission's financial accounts, prepares purchase orders and invoices, and monitors spending. They act as a liaison for the Conservation Committee with other City departments and provide technical assistance to the public and other departments on conservation issues, open space, flood information, and grant opportunities. The Agent coordinates with the City Engineer regarding wetland and stormwater plans and impacts, and advises the Building Department on required approvals for project approvals and building permits. Additionally, the Agent manages publicly owned lands and those under Conservation Restrictions, provides support to the Community Preservation Act Committee, and performs similar or related work as required.
Responsibilities
- Assist and advise the Conservation Commissioner and Planning Director in interpreting and enforcing the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act.
- Provide consultation and information to residents and developers on conservation-related matters.
- Perform administrative work and field inspections, and prepare permits under the Wetlands Protection Act and City Stormwater Ordinance.
- Act as the administrator of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.
- Support the Conservation Commission by receiving applications, advising applicants, developing agendas, and compiling documentation.
- Write, issue, and manage permits such as Orders of Condition, ensuring compliance with permit requirements throughout construction.
- Inspect work sites and issue enforcement orders as necessary.
- Keep current with legal precedents and changes related to the Wetlands Protection Act and DEP policies.
- Work with the Conservation Board on the City Wetland Protection Ordinance and manage regulation updates.
- Develop and coordinate conservation opportunities, acquisitions, and management programs for the City.
- Manage the Conservation Commission's financial accounts and prepare invoices and budgets.
- Act as a liaison for the Conservation Committee with other City departments and the public.
- Provide technical assistance and information on conservation issues, open space, and grant opportunities.
- Coordinate with the City Engineer regarding wetland and stormwater plans.
- Advise the Building Department on project approvals and building permits.
- Manage publicly owned lands and lands under Conservation Restrictions.
- Provide support to the Community Preservation Act Committee and assist with fund expenditures.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Geology, Hydrology, Botany, or a closely related field.
- 1 to 3 years of related experience in conservation or environmental management.
- Municipal experience or direct experience with the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act is preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with municipal regulations and procedures.
- Knowledge of environmental policies and conservation practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $24.21 to $28.91 per hour.
- Full-time position with 30 hours per week.
