Wildlife Furbearer Program #241219-3492VR-005

Introduction

Wildlife Furbearer Assistant - Seasonal Help

• DEEP's Wildlife Division is seeking to hire Seasonal Resource Assistants with the Furbearer and Black Bear Program.
• This program conducts research and management of black bears and other furbearer species such as fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and beavers.
• Program biologists monitor the harvests of furbearer species for which hunting and/or trapping are allowed. They conduct research on the population status, reproduction, food habits, and habitat use of furbearers and bears. They propose regulation changes for the hunting and trapping of furbearers and bears.
• A substantial portion of the program responsibilities includes assisting the public with inquiries regarding wildlife, particularly addressing human-wildlife conflicts via phone, email, or on-site live trapping efforts. The resource assistant will conduct office work, lab work, and field work.
• Schedule is 40 hours per week.
  
  
  

Selection Plan

Next Step

• If selected for interview, applicants will be contacted by the divisions hiring supervisor anticipated for March/April of 2025.
• If offered employment, new-hires must complete all new-hire paperwork prior to their first day of employment. This includes providing a copy of a state issued ID and acceptable documents as required for Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 form).
• Employment is contingent upon completion of a background check, which includes a review of employment, criminal and motor vehicle.
• DEEP is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment that complies with policies relating to safety, diversity, discrimination, and harassment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete mandatory trainings in the above areas, via an online platform prior to beginning on-site work duties.
  
  

For questions about the position, please contact Brooks Pitman at (860)424-3722 and/or at Brooks.Pitman@ct.gov .


PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Enters and organizes data into computer files, including furbearer sighting reports, necropsy data, furbearer capture and handling data, and furbearer harvest reports. Answers phone calls and emails from the public. Records sightings and provides technical assistance, particularly advice on resolving human-bear conflicts. Conducts radio-telemetry on collared animals. Orients to, and examines, specified field locations to identify sites of predation, denning, and or study-animal mortality. Transports and sets bear traps at sites of human-bear conflicts. Assists with chemically immobilizing, tagging, and aversively conditioning of black bears. Assist with the capture and collaring of fisher. Assists in organizing field equipment.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Ability to follow instructions.


Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred candidate will have experience with radio-telemetry, identifying tracks & sign, maintaining camera grids, moving/hauling trailers, chemical immobilization, operating hand-held GPS units, assisting with permitting and addressing human-willdife conflicts, and the ability to maintain a positive work ethic.
• Selected candidate must have a valid motor vehicle operator license; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access; education and/or experience in wildlife biology/management or natural resources; strong communication, organizational, and data entry skills; ability to work with a team and independently; ability to navigate off-trail, traverse varied terrain, work outdoors in all weather conditions; experience operating 4x4 vehicles in snowy/muddy conditions Must be able to lift and move heavy objects >50lbs, such as bear traps and animal carcasses.
  
  
  

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class who are assigned as supervisors of small recreational units will perform emergency first aid as needed and will be required to obtain and retain a Basic First Aid Certificate.
• Incumbents in this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:
• Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license.
• Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides.
• College training in a specific field.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific State facilities.
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must have and retain an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Certification (includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid). An EMT or MRT certification may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid requirements.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must be able to demonstrate American Red Cross (ARC) waterfront lifeguarding swimming skills.
  
  
  
  

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.