Environmental Technician III - Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

The Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program (LPMPP) seeks a uniquely qualified individual to serve as program coordinator for the Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program. The mission of the LPMPP is to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore the health of Vermont lakes. The primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to serve as a field technician that provides 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. The incumbent will also perform other duties as needed by the AIS Program that will include water chestnut monitoring and management, education and outreach, data entry, and basic data analysis. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in AIS spread prevention efforts and those familiar with motorized watercraft.

Specific job duties include:

• Assist with implementing statewide legislative mandates for AIS Spread Prevention and Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) work with stakeholders, organizations, and government officials to promote ANC regulations and reduce the interstate spread of AIS.
• Assist with the planning and coordination for the state-wide Vermont Public Access Greeter Program and administered by municipalities and lake associations. Assist with the preparation and presentation of Greeter Trainings and publications as needed.
• Conduct AIS surveys and assist with research to assess the effectiveness of various management techniques for new or persistent infestations, etc. Monitor high priority inland lakes to detect any new AIS infestation in its early stage.
• Develop supporting technological platforms to increase the efficiency for the program as a whole. This include developing, managing, and collecting data and geospatial information for AIS populations (Water chestnut and Zebra mussel), AIS or Aquatic Macrophyte Surveys, etc.
• Prepare, present, and disseminate technical and public AIS publications through various marketing avenues to a wide variety of constituents.
• Provide support and overall maintenance for AIS equipment and watercraft including motorboats, decontamination units, scuba gear, sign supplies, etc.

This position, Environmental Technician III - Aquatic Invasive Species Technician (Job Requisition #52210), 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 Kimberley.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.

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.

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.

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.