Conservation Assistant

Town of Edgartown | Conservation Commission

Conservation Assistant – $33.94-$44.68

The Town of Edgartown Conservation Commission is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Conservation Assistant to support its efforts in protecting and managing local wetlands, coastal areas, conservation lands, and the coastal waterbird program. This position is responsible for providing administrative support, educating the public on the Wetlands Protection Act, processing permit applications, and coordinating Conservation Commission meetings. The ideal candidate will work closely with residents, attorneys, architects, and town officials to ensure compliance with local and state environmental regulations. Strong communication, research, and organizational skills are essential in this role.

s are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the Human Resource Office. The Town of Edgartown is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be received until 4:00 PM on March 19, 2025.

CONSERVATION

Conservation Assistant

DEFINITION

Position performs responsible and complex administrative work assisting the Conservation Commission to discharge the duties of the office

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type 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.

• Screens all incoming mail, inquiries, and visitors and responds appropriately to requests for information and assistance regarding Conservation Commission policies and procedures.
• Educates the public on the requirements of the Wetlands Protection Act; assists property owners and agents (lawyers, architects, and builders) in completing various forms and applications, including abutter’s lists, affidavits of services, endangered species act, and other required documents.
• Processes all applications coming before the Conservation Commission according to state, town and board regulations and laws; consults with the Town Counsel concerning legal matters before the Board; prepares all legal notices within the assigned deadline; drafts warrant articles for Town Meeting.
• Creates agendas for Conservation Commission meetings and hearing; attends meetings and hearings, takes and transcribes minutes, and prepares Orders of Conditions for Commission approval, files approved minutes and other required documentation with the Town Clerk, meeting all deadlines.
• Researches applicable laws in connection with developing permits
• Prepares educational material for landscapers and general public regarding responsibilities under the Town’s Bylaw and the Wetlands Protection Act
• Assists the Commission in preparing revisions to coastal, wetlands and conservation regulations, assists the Commission in applying for federal and state grant money used in acquiring and/or protecting conservation lands in the town.
• Prepares the department budget, Property Management Account, and Land Acquisition Account; orders all office supplies; monitors the expenditures of the department; prepares bills and processes payroll for the Commission; prepares department report for the town’s Annual Town Report; records monies received by the department, submits receipts to the Treasurer.
• Performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under administrative direction, the incumbent works from policies, goals, and objectives; establishes short-range plans and objectives, departmental performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results; consults with the supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy may be required or as requested by the supervisor. The incumbent exercises control in the development of departmental policies, goals, objectives and budgets and is expected to resolve all conflicts which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The nature of the work means that errors in administrative work are not easily detected. Consequences of errors, including inaccurate information, could impact other departments and result in monetary loss, interruption of service and poor internal or external customer service.

JUDGMENT

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, attorneys, engineers, 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.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Employee has access to sensitive and confidential information in the performance of duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associates degree and two years of experience, preferably in a municipal work environment; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess or obtain Notary Public.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have knowledge of office practices and procedures; departmental operations and procedures; Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act

Skill in computer skills, including word processing, typing, and data management; organization and communication skills; problem solving and trouble shooting skills

Must be able to understand and interpret state and local laws concerning coastal, wetlands, and conservation lands; perform multiple tasks simultaneously despite interruptions; maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public; maintain detailed and extensive records and prepare accurate reports; work effectively under time constraints meet deadlines; operate various types of office equipment including a computer; use independent judgment to make decisions in accordance with state and department guidelines; deal effectively in a tactful manner with the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office environment. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

The work involves sitting, standing, walking and stooping. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.