Assistant Conservation Director (PDF)

We are currently accepting applications for the Full Time position of :

Assistant Conservation Director

Department of Land Use, Housing & Development

Starting Hourly Rate $36.18 - $41.29 per hour

Excellent Benefits Package

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form and cover letter must be received in

the Town's Human Resource Department. This position is open until filled.

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Under the general supervision of the Conservation Director, assists in performing a variety of complex

administrative, professional, and technical work in connection with the interpretation, processing and

enforcement of the State Wetlands Protection Act, the DEP Storm Water Management Regulations and

the Town Wetland Protection Code and the planning and management of Town-owned conservation land

and the stewardship of Lexington's natural resources.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

Works under the general direction of the Conservation Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :

Assists in supervision of the part-time conservation regulatory aide and 3 full-time seasonal employees in

such positions as Field Crew Supervisor and Field Crew Intern. Recommends vendors for hire and

supervises individual contract vendors for land management activities. Annually supervises over 1000

volunteer hours of those working on the Town's conservation land; responsible for recruiting, training, and

assigning work of volunteers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Reviews permits and other applications, including all construction plans and specifications, for

compliance with applicable environmental regulation implications. Guides applicants through the filing

process, resolves customer issues, and maintains public records.

Performs inspections to verify compliance with environmental laws and regulations or to investigate

and resolve environmental incidents. Monitors sites to ensure possession of and compliance with

necessary permits, issues approved correction orders, and re-inspects sites to ensure follow through.

Interacts with a broad range of public organizations and State and Federal agencies to administer

various programs and provide community outreach.

Maintains knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and of current trends

and developments in the environmental and open space protection field, through study and

membership in professional development organizations.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Town of Lexington

• Coordinates day to day work of the Conservation Regulatory Aide and seasonal employees.
• Manages the operations of the Conservation Division in the absence of the Conservation Director.
• Assists in the planning, development, direction, implementation and management of a year-round

comprehensive conservation land acquisition, management and stewardship program to meet the

diverse needs of the Town-owned conservation areas and the citizens of Lexington.

Directly supervises, coordinates, monitors, and administers year-round land management and

stewardship programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species

management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and outreach.

Assists in the development, management and monitoring of the division's operating budget.

Develops and recommends operating budget program improvement and capital improvement projects

for planning and management of the Town's conservation land.

Assists in interpreting and enforcing all applicable State and Local environmental laws and regulations

for the Conservation Director, the Conservation Commission, contractors, developers, real estate

agents, architects, engineers, land surveyors, property owners, staff and the general public. Provides

advice and direction in implementing projects and activities. Responds to public inquiries regarding

conservation land, wetlands, and environmental laws and regulations. Assists in developing

cooperative working relationships with local service organizations, community groups, businesses, and

other departments.

Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations for setting policies

and making key decisions to the Conservation Commission and conservation appointed sub-

committees. Uses GIS as a planning and mapping tool. Coordinates conservation and land

management activities with other departments and agencies as needed. Attends meetings and assists

in complying with Open Meeting Law via meeting preparation and follow up, including agenda

development and recording minutes.

Develops and implements public outreach and educational programs that promote natural resources,

watershed resources, and open space protection. Prepares and produce press releases, newsletter

articles, social media posts, and brochures. Makes written and oral reports and recommendations to

Town departments, boards, committees, civic groups, Town Meeting and the general public. Leads

events, makes public presentations, and creates, updates and maintains published content for the

Town's website.

• Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor's degree in an environmental science or natural resources field and three to five years of

progressively responsible technical experience in, natural resource protection, open space

management, environmental stewardship and public outreach.

Valid Driver's License

ADVANCED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

Basic training in ArcGIS software.

QUALIFICATIONS :

The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively

seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, and policies of a comprehensive municipal conservation program.
• State and Local wetland protection law administration, interpretation and enforcement.
• Open space acquisition and management.
• Environmental protection outreach and education.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Technical skills including wetland delineation techniques and land management planning.
• Construction drawings, design specifications, and map / plan interpretation.
• Techniques and methods of effective public speaking.
• Research methods and techniques of preparing technical reports and data.
• Pesticides application.

Ability to :

Assist in leading and directing the operations, services and activities of a municipal conservation

program.

• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Operate computer and various software necessary for performing assigned duties, including GPS and

GIS.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and maintain effective working

relationships

Work evenings and weekends to lead, coordinate, present at, and attend land management and

stewardship programs and special events.

• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for :
• making observations
• reading and writing
• operating assigned vehicles and equipment
• communicating with others interpersonally, face-to-face, verbally and in writing both casually

and formally

• Maintain mental capacity which permits :
• making sound decisions and using good judgment
• analyzing conservation needs and planning conservation programs accordingly
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• Maintain physical condition which permits :
• standing, sitting or walking for extended periods of time
• operating assigned vehicles and equipment
• lifting light to moderate weights
• Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve :
• working closely with others
• high levels of public contact
• exposure to computer screens
• exposure to outdoor working condition, rain, snow, heat, cold and hazardous conditions resulting

from exposure to poison ivy, mosquitos and ticks.

The Town of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will

receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined

under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as

listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by

management on a case by case basis.

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at

www.lexingtonma.gov, email [email protected], calling (781) 698-4590 or by visiting the Human

Resources Department. Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but

cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form.

After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited

to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a

decision has been made regarding their individual application.

Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human

Resources Department.

Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the :

Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington

1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420

781) 698-4590