See full Notice of Job Vacancy at https://www.kingstonma.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=99&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Assistant-Conservation-Agent-142 

Open Space/Natural Resource Protection

Provides professional expertise in assisting the Commission and Agent with planning, acquisition, administration and management of municipal conservation land. Many projects are accomplished in cooperation with volunteers, other boards and agencies.

Specifically, the Assistant Conservation Agent:

• Assists the Agent to identify unique local resources. Assists in prioritizing parcels for acquisition.
• Assists the Agent to prepare Open Space and Recreation Plans to meet criteria for approval.
• Assists the Agent in research and participates in on-site evaluations of parcels under consideration for acquisition, donation, conservation or agricultural preservation restrictions.
• In the course of their work builds relationships with landowners, local and regional land trusts, the Open Space and Community Preservation Committees.
• Assists the Agent to oversee/carry out land management tasks on approximately 1200 acres of Kingston open space for the benefit of the general public. Such work includes trail building and maintenance, installation of signage, fencing, and cleanup using hand and power tools.
• Assists the Agent to patrol Town’s conservation land.
• Together with the Agent, fosters good relations with abutters, builds "friends groups" and other support.
• Assists in researching funding opportunities, applying for and managing grants.

Wetlands Protection

• Assists the Commission and Agent with the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Kingston Wetlands Protection Bylaw as follows:
• Advises applicants on wetland permitting processes for various projects, provides technical assistance and maintains office appointments.
• Assures legal requirements and deadlines are met including postings, timeframes, minutes and other records.
• Reviews Notices of Intent/other filings and associated documents/plans for accuracy, completeness and compliance with the laws and regulations. Ensures filing fees are calculated correctly.
• Schedules meetings and hearings; processes and distributes/submits forms.
• Arranges on-site inspections with Commissioners and Agent related to filings, permit compliance monitoring, and violations. Prepares relevant forms/reports.
• Under the supervision of the Agent, conducts environmental monitoring and assessments.
• Processes forms; evaluates findings; drafts permits with associated conditions and documents.
• Under the direction of the Agent may monitor construction to ensure compliance with permits.
• Assists the Agent to respond to complaints and may investigate potential violations and takes/recommends appropriate action/remediation.
• Maintains case files and materials including computer database; builds solid case record.
  Municipal Stormwater Management
• Assists the Agent in the administration of the Kingston Stormwater Management Plan in accordance with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Program under the Federal Clean Water Act.
• Assists the Agent in the preparation, tracking and documenting activities required under the NPDES Annual Report (requirement since 2004) for submittal to the EPA and DEP to ensure compliance with the permit.

Additional Responsibilities

• Reviews and comments on Building Permits for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Reviews and comments on Planning Department applications for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintains physical and digital organization of the Commission office, maintains regular office hours.
• Keeps current by attending training sessions/workshops of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, the Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals and others as appropriate.
• Attends public meetings and hearings of the Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee. Prepares Meeting Minutes.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, other written material, as needed for Commission causes.
• Assists the Agent in the preparation and administration of the department's operating budget, as well as the researching, preparation and administration of grant applications.
• Assists in the collection of accurate data documenting the activity of the department.
• Other work related duties and responsibilities.