Conservation Assistant/Wetland Permitting Coordinator

This non-benefited position works under the supervision of the Conservation Administrator and provides administrative and technical support to the Conservation Commission, conducts site visits, and occasionally attends evening meetings. Primary duties include assisting with the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act, permit intake and technical review and drafting legal notices, technical memoranda and decisions. Other duties include assisting with conservation land management and stewardship (i.e. conservation land boundary monitoring and addressing land encroachments), and general office assistance (interacting with the public in a professional manner, answering inquiries, and responding to requests.)

The position is 15 hours per week with a starting hourly range of $29.41 per hour. Please email a cover letter, resume and Town application as a singular PDF document with your last name followed the word “Conservation” as the email subject by July 19th, 2024. Email address: humanresources@westonma.gov.

The Town of Weston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, genetics, sexual orientation, active military status or disability

Full Job Description:

Summary

The Part-time Conservation Assistant/Wetland Permitting Coordinator provides support to the Conservation Administrator related to the Conservation Commission’s statutory responsibilities under the Wetlands Protection Act and in their efforts to steward approximately 1800 acres of land and 100 acres of conservation restrictions in the Town of Weston. The position involves both field and office work. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Assists in performing a variety of complex administrative, professional, and technical work in connection with administration of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its Implementing Regulations (WPA).and the management of town-owned conservation land, and the 

Wetland Protection Act Permitting 

Assist with the administration of the WPA. This includes:

• Assists Conservation Administrator by responding to inquiries, providing procedural and permit filing information related to the WPA, Conservation Commission policies, and documents complaints.
• Reviews Building, Planning Board, ZBA, and Board of Health permits to ensure compliance with the WPA.
• Reviews all permit applications and prepares detailed summaries for Conservation Commission
• Administers the Conservation Commission’s Tree Removal Policy 
• Assist with distribution of permit applications and preparation of decisions
• Conducts site visits to ensure construction projects are in compliance with the Wetland Protection Act permits

Land and Conservation Restriction Stewardship

Assist with stewardship of the town’s conservation land and conservation restrictions. This includes:

• Assisting with the administration of various land management projects.
• Researching property boundaries and posting boundary markers
• Documenting any encroachments or violations and working with staff to seek resolution. 
• Assisting with conservation restriction and boundary monitoring
• Serve as liaison with Volunteer Community Garden Coordinator, ensure compliance with garden rules and address concerns as they arise. 
• Work with the Animal Control Officer to address dog-related issues on Conservation Land and implementing the volunteer “Bark Ranger Program”.
• Issuing Conservation Land Use Permits

Conservation Office Tasks

• Assist with office operations including answering phones and interacting with visitors to the office (public, contractors, engineers, attorneys etc.)
• Prepares educational materials and assists in developing public outreach programs
• Work on special research projects as needed
• Collects, records, and deposits fees for permits
• Maintains a wide variety of records
• Performs other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates

Supervision

None 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in environmental studies, planning, or a related field preferred; at least one year of experience in the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license and insured personal vehicle.

Preferred/Desired Skills

Wetland boundary identification/verification based on WPA standards. Familiarity with State Stormwater Standards; Basic training in ArcGIS software. 

Knowledge, Ability, Skill

Knowledge of the Wetlands Protection Act, statutes and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. Working knowledge of the principles of land protection, stewardship and management. Knowledge of local plants, wildlife, wetlands, and soils. 

Ability to work independently and complete assignments to meet legal deadlines. Ability to interpret regulations accurately. Ability to analyze problems, prepare reports and formulate recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with committee members, volunteers, and town officials. Ability to interact patiently and effectively with the public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to read and interpret plans.

Planning, organizational, and communication skills. Skill in the use of computer applications, including Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, etc.), the Town’s permit tracking software. Skill in wetland boundary identification/verification based on plant species and indicator status identification. 

Preferred/Desired Skills

Wetland boundary identification/verification based on WPA standards. Basic training in ArcGIS software; Basic design skills for signage and educational/outreach products (e.g., trailhead signs, brochures, pamphlets). Experience managing volunteers and organizing volunteer work days.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort is generally required to perform duties under typical office conditions. Occasional moderate physical effort required when conducting site visits. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, speak and hear, use hands to operate equipment and lift or carry up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents as well as non-written documents (maps, charts, etc.) for analytical purposes, use a computer and operate an automobile.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.

A considerable amount of work is conducted in the field, with exposure to various weather conditions and the hazardous conditions associated with walking through rough terrain and woods. Approximately half of the work is conducted in an office, with frequent interruptions; The employee may be asked to attend off-hour meetings with town boards and committees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.