TOWN OF LANCASTER
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & COMMUNTIY DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION AGENT
The Town of Lancaster seeks a motivated, detail-oriented, team player to fill the role of Conservation Agent. Under the direction of the Planning and Community Development Director, the Conservation Agent assists Conservation Commission in the administration and enforcement of town bylaws, subdivision and wetlands laws and other regulatory matters.
Strong preference for Bachelor’s Degree in environmental/wetland science, biology/ecology, or a related field plus two years’ experience with wetlands management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience shall be considered.
SEE COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION BELOW
Position is 35 hours per week, in-person, and requires some evening attendance at board or commission meetings. This position includes health, dental, life, retirement and paid-time-off benefits. The projected starting hourly rate range is Step 1 $30.70/hr to Step 4 $33.56/hr depending on qualifications and experience. The full 10-step hourly pay range for this position is $30.70/hr to $40.07/hr, Grade G on the Fiscal Year 2027 Unclassified Employees Wage Scale
To apply, please visit the town’s website at https://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/602/Employment-Opportunities to download the Town of Lancaster Employment Application. In PDF format, interested parties should email a (i) Completed Employment Application, (ii) cover letter and (iii) resume to [email protected]. Position open until filled. EOE.
** JOB DESCRIPTION **
Community Development and Planning Department
Conservation Agent
DEFINITION
This position is responsible for performing professional and technical work involved in the oversight of all aspects of the Town’s conservation related activities. The position is responsible for technical and administrative work involving activities related to the Conservation Commission. As Conservation Agent, incumbent is expected to perform a variety of operational and inspectional services which range in both scope and magnitude. This function requires the employee to exercise considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action and planning their work tasks.
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.
· Provides focus, guidance, and expertise to the Conservation Commission relative to Lancaster’s natural/environmental resources, biodiversity, and wetlands; organizes and administers Commission business.
· Provides administrative support to the Commission; drafts and posts meeting agendas, informs applicants of hearing dates, issues Orders of Conditions, Certificates of Compliance, and decisions, and drafts and posts meeting minutes consistent with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law; writes special conditions in compliance with the Town of Lancaster Wetland By-law and Massachusetts Wetlands Act.
· Participates in site plan reviews and inspections, providing professional guidance and instruction to applicants, and reviewing official decisions.
· Reviews all conservation-related applications, notices, requests, site plans, topographic maps, and storm water reports for accuracy and completeness.
· Conducts site visits for building projects to determine jurisdictions or review existing or pending Orders of Conditions.
· Monitors projects to ensure compliance with orders, set parameters, and other regulatory determinations. Evaluates project initiatives and scope and submits recommendations and reports to Boards/Commission.
· Maintains and updates General and Special Conditions as directed. Plans, engages consultants, and oversees project compliance in tandem with staff, the Boards/ Commission, and the Director.
· Responds to complaints, conducts site visits, and issues Violation Notices or Enforcement Orders as required by statute.
· Maintains confidential legal files. May consult with legal counsel on current legal decisions and may assist with legal matters by preparing/assessing documents for use, as authorized by the Town Administrator.
· Assists in the administration and management of conservation land that is under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission; participates in long-range planning efforts relative to land acquisition; conducts on-site inspections of parcels under consideration for development or purchase.
· Educates and trains Board and Commission officials relative to regulation changes and legislative updates from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
· Performs other related job duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The employee plans and prioritizes the work independently in accordance with standard practices and previous training and is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with the Director of Community Development and Planning and the Conservation Commission.
SUPERVISION PROVIDED
May be called upon to provide functional oversight to contractors, volunteers, and commission members relative to conservation-related projects or initiatives in Town.
JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY
Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work, which may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principles, regulations, legislation, or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area. Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new, or adapt existing, methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies. The employee is recognized as the authority in interpreting the guidelines and in determining how they should be applied.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Relationships are with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups, and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation. Must provide excellent customer service to a wide range of people seeking permits/permission/guidance on local wetlands and conservation related issues.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The employee has access to some confidential and sensitive information such as lawsuits in the performance of their duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Wetland Science, Biology, Ecology, or related field plus 1 to 3 years of experience working in the field relative to wetlands management and delineation. Any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience shall be considered.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
A valid Class D Driver’s License and available personnel vehicle for visiting permitting sites.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS
Knowledge: Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of wetlands management, with understanding of wetland science, hydrology, biology, soil science, and delineation procedures. Strong knowledge of relevant Massachusetts and Federal wetlands statues and regulations, including, but not limited the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131 § 40) and Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act (Chapter 258 of the Acts of 1996), Massachusetts and Federal Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) regulations and permits, Federal flood plain regulations. Knowledge of the Town of Lancaster Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Knowledge of erosion controls, retention, and detention ponds, stabilization methods, water control and filter strips, wetlands replication, vernal pool certification processes, Limited Project statuses, and site feasibility and construction sequence review. Working knowledge of conservation and planning statutes, acts, and regulations; office administrative practices; office technology, software, and equipment; and town government operations.
Abilities: Ability to interpret and apply complex statutes, acts, bylaws, and regulations applicable to planning and conservation, particularly the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations, the Rivers Protection Act, and Lancaster’s bylaws and regulations. Ability to readily identify hydric soils, use Munsell or similar charts, determine plant density, and locate wetland boundaries. Ability to interpret engineered plans, drawings, and data tables. Ability to plan and prioritize work; multi-task; meet deadlines; apply sound judgement; work independently; and be self-motivated. Ability to explain regulations and policies; manage conflict; communicate effectively with tact and discretion; present ideas clearly and concisely; maintain confidentiality; maintain good public relations and effective collaborative working relationships; respond in a courteous and professional manner; and work with diverse groups. Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal tactfully, patiently, and appropriately with a variety of people, including businesses, developers and members of the public.
Skills: Effective communication, problem-solving, planning, excellent customer-service and public relations skills, organizing, writing, administrative, and personal computer skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Working conditions involve occasional exposure to elements found in the field such as woodlands, wetlands, worksites, construction sites, and other properties. May be exposed to elements, but work can typically be rescheduled to avoid harsh elements. Field work may be conducted at construction sites, demolition areas or outside with exposure to extreme temperature conditions and weather, dust, wind, and other environmental hazards; may work seasonally with conservation equipment and chemicals relative to Town-lead projects and initiatives.
Majority of the work is performed in a normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc. Office work is performed in a moderately busy environment, with frequent interruptions. Incumbent is often subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Skills: Administrative work is in an office setting, involving sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. When in the field, work requires agility and physical strength, such as moving over rough and/or wet, muddy terrain, standing or walking most of the work period, or moving in or about construction sites. Occasionally, work may require lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.) and carrying them. There may be a need to stretch and reach to retrieve materials. Employee is regularly required to walk, stoop, sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaches with hands and arms as in picking up paper, books and other common office objects. In the field, employee regularly is expected to up a cellular phone, soil sample auger, large-scale tape measures, color charts, shovels, digital cameras and associated photographic software or video-enhancement devices.
Motor Skills: Operates computer, printer, video display terminal, calculator, telephone, copier, and all other standard office equipment, as well as a variety of recreational equipment including beach and water-maintenance equipment. Systems require excellent eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity; balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching, and stooping are required.
Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, including maps, blueprints, and handwriting; inspecting surroundings and fine details to assess conditions of landscapes, buildings, and equipment; and reviewing detailed information displayed on a computer screen. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.
- END -
Pay: $30.70 - $33.56 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
