This is very responsible administrative work involving the effective and efficient utilization and protection of the environment and natural resources within the Town.  This position provides staff assistance to both the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and Conservation Commission and serves the Town as the administrative staff for environmental and natural resource issues.

Work involves the responsibility for investigating, analyzing, reporting, and coordinating plans and proposals for activities in, or impacting, wetlands and watercourses. Work also involves the management of natural resources on municipal open space lands.  Duties include field inspections, plan review, plan development and conferring with developers, landowners, public officials and others.  This position has responsibility for enforcement of wetlands regulations and open space policies and for making routine technical decisions. The work requires that the employee have a good knowledge, skill and ability in environmental science and the principles of land use planning and development, and management.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Provides staff assistance to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) and Conservation Commission. Administers policies set by the IWWC in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.  Attends meetings as required and prepares and submits annual budgets for the Commissions and oversees approved expenditures in accordance with Town policies.  
• Provides assistance and coordinates related matters with Town departments, State and federal agencies, private environmental agencies and other groups on environmental issues.  
• Develops, maintains and monitors a municipal natural resources inventory database.   Presents property management and public education programs.  
• Assists in preparation of grant applications for environmental and open space projects and programs.
• As staff to the IWWC, reviews plans and proposals submitted to the IWWC for compliance with regulations. Administers and enforces the Town’s Inland Wetlands regulations and implements policies of the IWWC.  Investigates complaints, determines violations and takes necessary enforcement actions, including enforcement of sedimentation and erosion control regulations.  Reviews proposals submitted to other land use agencies and commissions for potential inland wetlands impacts. Conducts site visits for evaluations and makes recommendations to the Commission regarding the usage of wetlands and watercourses.  Provides information and assistance to the Commission, other Town agencies and the general public on wetlands, watercourses, floodplains and aquifers and on related issues. 
• As staff to the Conservation Commission, considers recommendations and prepares plans and recommends policies for the management of Town-owned or managed passive recreational, forest and open spaces.   Assesses the condition of the Town’s natural resource base and makes suggestions to the Commission for improvement and protection.  As required, coordinates and oversees implementation of management plans.   Conducts periodic inspections of properties under the Town’s jurisdiction.  Oversees the Town’s Farmland Lease Program.  Conducts enforcement action as necessary. 
  Advises and assists the Town in acquiring land/property rights for conservation and open space purposes.  Conducts Commission educational activities and provides opportunities for public access and enjoyment of the Town’s open space resources while maintaining their ecological integrity.
  Provides assistance to the Recreation Department in the planning and implementation of recreational activities using the Town’s open space properties. May assist with the forest management program as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of, and ability to apply principles, concepts and practices governing inland wetlands, watercourses, water quality, open space uses and values, soils, flora and fauna, and conservation of natural resources.   Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply municipal planning concepts and principles specifically as they concern responsibilities for natural resource conservation and wetlands management.   Good knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, State and local laws, regulations and standards relating to the environment. Considerable ability to perform effective field inspections and to enforce orders promptly, firmly and courteously.  Considerable ability to interpret technical blueprints, architectural and engineering drawings.  Considerable ability to comprehend laboratory analyses of soil and water. Good ability to effectively express ideas and prepare reports for both oral and written presentations. Good ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town agencies and staff, local and State officials, and the general public.  Some familiarity with surveying and civil engineering principles and practices.   Good physical ability to reach job sites for inspections and to take water and soil samples which may include bending, crouching, lifting, pulling, pushing, stretching and climbing.  Good ability to compile, organize, analyze and interpret data both manually and by computer and to prepare maps, charts and other graphics both manually and by computer.  Good ability to use computer-based database and spreadsheet software.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource management, planning or related field, and two (2) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.