The Natural Resources Specialist will provide technical support within the Conservation Department and will be assigned varied and multiple tasks/projects related to inland/tidal wetlands, open space, shellfish and land acquisition programs operated by the Department. This position will report directly to the Conservation Director and assist both the Director and Wetlands Compliance Officer with permitting, reporting, customer service and other technical tasks, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist others in performing work of greater complexity. May, conduct research or field studies on natural resources hazards; research, prepare, and review technical papers, permits, publications, and reports; and validate natural resources.
• Organize and execute a variety of assignments and projects within departmental programs related to natural resources.
• Prioritize, schedule, inspect and report on the work of assigned tasks and projects.
• Review projects, plans, and permit applications to determine impacts on the natural resources, technical adequacy of what? and assure compliance with Federal, State, and local natural resource laws and regulations.
• Make recommendations for plans or applications to higher level project staff or supervisor.
• Review and evaluate plans that minimize adverse impacts to natural resources, and propose compliance strategies for required regulated facilities. 
• Resolve problems of moderate complexity by designing plans and implementing measures to minimize and mitigate adverse project affects. 
• Write reports, complete regulatory forms, legal findings, and related documents as assigned which support permits and form the basis for compliance with environmental or natural resources laws and regulations.
• Gather, compile, organize, evaluate, and interpret environmental-based data to determine regulatory compliance, ambient conditions, trends, and cause-and-effect relationships between activities and observed natural resources effects.
• Write staff or technical reports including analysis, conclusions and recommendations in specific program areas.
• Provide various administrative support duties as necessary or assigned.
• Interface with the public in a courteous and helpful manner in response to technical questions related to the Department’s purview; review maps/site plans, permit and performance bond and project status-related questions.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management of inland and tidal wetlands, watershed management, open space, forestry, shellfish as it relates to optimal use of the forest, fish, wildlife and recreational resources on Town open space areas.
• Knowledge of local, State and Federal Regulations and jurisdictions related to open space, forestry, and inland and tidal wetlands.
• Knowledge of flora, fauna, geology and soil of Connecticut and the northeastern United States.
• Knowledge of the underlying principles of sediment and erosion control and techniques in forest/open space management applications.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a courteous and professional manner amongst staff and the public on a daily basis and maintain effective working relationships.
• Sufficient physical strength and stamina to work long hours under adverse weather conditions in difficult terrain, when necessary.
• The ability to read and understand fairly complex technical plans, reports, and maps and the ability to calculate such parameters and variables as areas, volumes, slopes, fees, etc.
• Demonstrated ability in computer software, including typing and report writing skills, spreadsheets, GIS, mapping and similar programs to collect and organize data for reporting purposes. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work within a team as well as independently.
• Able and willing to travel to job sites as needed for field activities.
• Sufficient physical strength and stamina to work and hike under adverse weather conditions in difficult terrain, when necessary. Adequate physical agility and visual and auditory acuity to satisfactorily perform the required duties if this position.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college/university with major study in any of the following fields: conservation biology, soil science, ecology, natural resources management, wetlands science or environmental science.
• A minimum of 2 years full-time experience in the field of conservation biology, soil science, ecology, wetlands science or natural resources management.
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS),Wetland Professional In- Training (WPIT) by the Society of Wetland Scientists or certification of Associate Professional Soil Scientist (APSS) by the Soil Science Society of America. May obtain certification within the first six months of employment.
• Satisfactory completion of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's municipal comprehensive training program for IWWC Agents pursuant to CGS 22a-42a(c)(2) and 22a-42a(d) within the first six months of employment.
• Maintain a valid CT Driver’s License.

SCHEDULE

PAY RANGE

AFFILIATION

THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Town of Fairfield to ensure equal employment opportunity for all employees and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability.