Application Deadline Date: 09/07/2023
Req ID: 48011
Department: Environmental Conservation
Location: Montpelier, VT, US
Position Type: Permanent
Schedule Type: Full Time
Hourly Rate: $28.58
Overview
If you enjoy spending time on lakes, working with property owners and lake association members on shoreland protection, using science to support lake management and protection decisions, and working on projects that will improve water quality in Vermont, then this position may be for you!
The Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program works to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore Vermont’s lakes and ponds, as well as all the uses that healthy lake ecosystems provide through outreach, education, monitoring, management, and regulatory programs. A key aspect of this work is collaborating with public land managers and shoreland property owners to implement voluntary projects that reduce shoreland erosion and surface water runoff into lakes. These projects are identified through the Lake Wise Assessments and funded using Clean Water Initiative resources that support shoreland restoration projects.
This Lake Wise and Shoreland Restoration position leads the Lakes and Ponds Programs’ efforts to provide outreach and technical assistance on sound shoreland management aimed at conserving habitat and reducing reduce nutrient and sediment loading to lakes and ponds, including:
• Leading the implementation of the Lake Wise Program, Vermont’s incentives-based outreach and technical assistance program focused on sound shoreland management to reduce nutrient and sediment loading to lakes and ponds.
• Providing shoreland technical assistance to groups developing shoreland management projects and funding proposals, including installing demonstration shoreland BMPs, bioengineering projects, and lake-friendly road construction and maintenance projects.
• Supporting the development of Lake Watershed Action Plans, including grant management, coordination with local actors, and identification of funding for plan development and project implementation.
• Leading the annual Natural Shoreland Erosion Control Certification course and other shoreland-focused outreach efforts to increase awareness about Lake Wise and maintain demand for and interest in the program.
• Assisting the Lakes and Ponds Regulatory Team by informing Shoreland Permitting Policies with results of shoreland BMPs and bioengineering projects & support regulatory needs during site visits, including shoreland protection act compliance monitoring.
An ideal candidate will be familiar with basic principles of limnology, aquatic biology, and terrestrial ecology, and how these principles interact to impact water quality in freshwater ecosystems, including lakes and ponds. Additionally, some experience conducting training or outreach with communities on environmental issues and knowledge of social science and social marketing principles as they apply to behavior change communication will be advantageous. Position responsibilities include the review of complex technical materials, production of outreach materials, working closely with property owners on shoreland management project development. and management of grant funds. A successful candidate should have a thorough knowledge of State and Federal Rules and Regulations, as well as industry standard scientific principles and practices. They must also have strong communication skills, the ability to work within teams of multiple stakeholders, and the ability to conduct site visits.
Who May Apply
This position, Environmental Analyst VI – Lake Wise Lead, Job Requisition #48011, is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact oliver.pierson@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Environmental Factors
Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND three (3) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.
OR
Master’s degree or higher in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND two (2) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.
OR
Six (6) years or more of experience in an engineering, environmental, social science, data science, or natural resources field.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it’s more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium
- Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
- Low cost group life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
