Title:  Environmental Technician III - Lake Wise Asst, Champlain - Temporary

Overview

Vermont has more than 800 lakes with 1400 miles of shore. The Lake Wise Assistant works closely with the Shoreland Restoration Ecologist to support VT DEC the Lakes and Ponds Program's efforts to manage, restore, and protect shorelands and water quality in Vermont lakes through the Lake Wise Program. This seasonal position in the Lake Wise Program focuses on shoreland improvement work such as vegetative treatments for infiltration and filtration of stormwater to protect water quality and improve wildlife habitat while building resiliency along the shore. Vermont's shorelands are in a period of restoration and this seasonal position works to restore shorelands for long-term water quality protection. 

The work of the Lake Wise Seasonal Assistant - Lake Champlain will primarily fall into two categories. The Lake Wise Seasonal Assistant - Lake Champlain will perform Lake Wise site assessments and provide technical assistance to towns, state parks, private residences, businesses, other shoreland owners and contractors for addressing erosive problem areas along the shores of Lake Champlain. The Lake Wise Assistant will use scientific data and nature-based solutions to perform outreach and education tasks in order to engage the public with the program and encourage lakeshore landowners to sign up for assessments (60% of the job). 

Additionally, the Lake Wise Assistant - Lake Champlain will take on an assistant project manager role in addressing identified erosive sites on public lands on the Lake Champlain shoreline. These are potential sites for future demonstration projects on Lake Champlain which will require site visits, design creation, collaboration with other State of Vermont entities and towns, budgeting, creating educational materials, and all other general oversite of project management. The assistant will work closely with the Shoreland Restoration Ecologist on these projects (40% of the job). 

In this role you can expect to:  

• Learn to perform Lake Wise site assessments and provide them to lakeshore landowners on Lake Champlain
• Provide technical assistance to towns, state parks, private residences, businesses, other shoreland owners and contractors for addressing erosive, problem areas along the shores of Lake Champlain
• Assist in and/or lead outreach and education events, including giving public talks and presentations
• Write reports and manage electronic files and data, including database management and file scanning
• Interact professionally with members of the public
• Assist in project management activities for one or more ecological/stormwater improvement project on public lands on Lake Champlain
• Create educational materials/signage for the above public land project
• Complete conceptual designs for public access sites on Lake Champlain as needed

Must Have: Drivers License and ability to transport themselves to DEC offices. 
Note: This job is hybrid remote and in the field. Occasional office work at the National Life building in Montpelier is required.

Who May Apply

This position, Environmental Technician III - Lake Wise Asst, Champlain - Temporary (Job Requisition #54433), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Alison.Marchione@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 performed in both a standard office setting and in the field, for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, construction sites during all weather conditions and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Heavy lifting and climbing may be required. Some work outside of regular work schedule may be necessary. Strong and conflicting opinions may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, a biological-life or physical science, math, or natural resources field.

OR

Associate's degree in engineering, a biological-life or physical science, math, or a natural resources field AND two (2) years or more at or above a technical level in an environmental or natural resources field.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years or more of experience at or above a technical level in an environmental or natural resources.

OR

One (1) year or more as an Environmental Technician II.

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-Starter who enjoys working both independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for working closely with the public
• Comfortable driving long distances
• Comfortable working alone in the field
• Ability and willingness to engage in public speaking
• Background knowledge in lake science a plus
• Available for 5-6 months of employment

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.