Natural Resources Officer (Seasonal)

Assists in managing beaches, monitoring shorebird nesting, construction and maintenance of barrier fences, data management, interacts with property owners and the public. Implements beach management plan, enforces rules/regulations for off-road vehicles and pedestrian activities, assists supervising seasonal beach staff. Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environment or related field (or in progress); High School diploma with supervisory and natural resources experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid drivers license required, $24.50/hr, 40 hrs/wk, including nights and weekends. No housing provided.

Complete Job Description:

Summary

Technical, administrative and laboring work in managing the beaches under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy and Environment, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Functions

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.

• Monitors wildlife and habitat on the Town’s beaches and other properties; provides necessary wildlife management.
• Implements beach management plan and related permits.
• Assists in the implementation of beach maintenance projects. Plans for and installs fencing, poles, beach grass, etc. Removes litter and storm debris. Works with volunteer organizations to assist in beach-related projects.
• Maintains detailed records of seasonal beach conditions. Prepares reports for state and federal governmental agencies.
• Provides enforcement of beach bylaws; issues non-criminal citations when necessary.
• Communicates with the public, answering questions and providing information.
• Supervises seasonal Natural Resources Assistants and Natural Resources Technicians, including assigning daily duties, identifying and assigning projects and tasks, and time management.
• Performs varied responsible duties, requiring the exercise of considerable judgement and initiative in planning and implementing programs, and dealing with various organizations and the public.
• Operates a light truck, hand and power tools.
• Makes frequent contact with the general public and Town departments, state and federal agencies, and various volunteer groups.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the administrative direction of the Environmental Technician in accordance with Town policies and applicable state laws and regulations. Generally establishes own work plan and priorities, in accordance with established policies and standards.

Supervises seasonal employees assigned to beach-related work, including Natural Resources Assistants and Natural Resources Technicians.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree (completed or in process) in natural resource management, environmental sciences or related field; one to three years experience in natural resource management and progressive supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge: Knowledge of local geography. Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws and Rules and Regulations regarding conservation and wildlife management. Working knowledge, or ability to gain working knowledge, of state and federal guidelines for protection of piping plovers, least terms and common terns on a multi-use recreational beach.

Ability: Ability to comprehend the full scope of division activities and policies. Ability to work with the general public and local, state and federal agencies. Ability to enforce rules and regulations firmly and impartially. Ability to comprehend and maintain detailed and extensive records and to prepare reports from the same. Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day for monitoring, maintenance, protection and enforcement activities.

Skill: Skill in the operation of light truck, hand and power tools. Skill in communicating both orally and in writing. Good managerial and organization skills.

Licensing/Certifications: Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) and First Aid Certifications (or ability to obtain). Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator’s license

Job Environment

Work is frequently performed outdoors, with exposure to various and often unpleasant weather conditions. Administrative work is performed in a field environment. Required to work nights and weekends and may be called to respond to emergencies.

Errors could result in monetary loss, threaten the safety of the environment, harm public health and safety, cause adverse public relations, and have legal repercussions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent moderate to strenuous physical effort required when performing duties. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. May occasionally be required to lift, move, and/or push objects weighing 100 pounds or more, as well as climb, stoop, crawl, and kneel for extended periods of time. Frequently required to work outside during inclement weather conditions.

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.

Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer