Title:  Environmental Scientist III - Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Limited Service

Overview

The Lakes and Ponds Program of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation seeks an energetic and outgoing individual to join our aquatic invasive species management team. The primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including lakeshore property owners, lake/watershed associations, the public, and other State of Vermont Agencies on all aspects of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention and management work in the Lake Champlain Basin, including:

 

• Support the implementation of AIS Spread Prevention, early detection, rapid response and control efforts.
• Provide regular education and outreach to the public, stakeholders, and partners regarding AIS, with a specific focus on invasive species currently in VT and potential new invaders, and the best management techniques for their control.
• Help oversee, develop, and manage existing AIS grant programs so that at least $450,000 of grants are awarded by April 1 each year, greeters are trained by June 1, final reports are submitted by December 31, and grants are closed out by February 1 of the following year
• Help manage the administrative components of the state's AIS Management Program so that an annual work plan and budget is developed by the start of the state fiscal year, temporary staffing needs for the field season are identified by January 1, and an Operational Safety Plan is developed, kept up-to-date, and complied with.   
• During the summer field season, provide technical and administrative support for the projects within the Aquatic Invasive Species Program. The projects include traveling to waterbodies throughout Vermont to complete aquatic (invasive) species surveys and assisting with the oversight of contracted harvesting crews while maintaining safety protocols for motorboat transport and other water surveying (SCUBA) techniques. 
• Perform other duties as needed by the AIS Program that will include water chestnut monitoring and management, education and outreach, and complex data entry and analysis. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in AIS spread prevention efforts and those familiar with motorized watercraft.

 

Who May Apply

This position, Environmental Scientist III - Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Limited Service (Job Requisition #50071), is open to all State employees and external applicants.   It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Kimberly.Jensen@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

Master's degree in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND one (1) year or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Master's degree in any biological-life or physical science AND two (2) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology

 

OR

 

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND three (3) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Bachelor's degree in any biological-life or physical science AND four (4) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology, or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Scientist II

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of biology and environmental science
• Considerable knowledge of planning principles and procedures
• Considerable knowledge of data gathering techniques and various systems for organizing and interpreting such data
• Experience working in AIS management preferred
• Knowledge and experience with AIS spread prevention techniques a plus
• Knowledge and experience leading and coordinating with team members and work crews
• Must be able to work well independently with minimal supervision
• Experience operating watercraft is strongly preferred
• Effective communication abilities and public relations skills required

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 and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• 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.