Belding Seasonal Naturalist and Habitat Management Assistant

Introduction

BELDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA)

The CT DEEP Wildlife Division is looking for a seasonal assistant to work at the beautiful Belding Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Vernon. This seasonal position is a great opportunity to work outside and learn about a wide variety of Connecticut’s wildlife, and to get hands-on experience managing their habitats. With over 100 species of birds, Belding WMA has been identified as a Birding Hotspot on the Cornell Lab’s eBird.org website.

The goals of Belding WMA are to manage a variety of wildlife and fisheries habitats, to provide environmental education and to provide low-impact recreation. Visitors are introduced to wildlife and natural resources management through various educational programs, demonstration sites and self-guided interpretive trails. Teaching the public about wildlife is a rewarding aspect of the job as well as a great way to learn more about the wildlife of Connecticut.

Starting March 2025. The position is thirty-five (35) to forty (40) hours per week and occasional weekend and evening work may be required. There are no benefits with these positions, except paid holiday leave after 90 calendar days of employment. Position is limited to 1040 total hours, approximately 6 months if full-time.

ABOUT US

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving, and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to foster a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

Selection Plan

Next Step:

• If selected for interview, applicants will be contacted by the divisions hiring supervisor anticipated for March/April of 2025. 
• If offered employment, new-hires must complete all new-hire paperwork prior to their first day of employment. This includes providing a copy of a state issued ID and acceptable documents as required for Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 form).
• Employment is contingent upon completion of a background check, which includes a review of employment, criminal and motor vehicle. 
• DEEP is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment that complies with policies relating to safety, diversity, discrimination, and harassment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete mandatory trainings in the above areas, via an online platform prior to beginning on-site work duties.

For questions about the position, please contact Jane Seymour at jane.seymour@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include the following: 

• Weed/invasive plant control (applying herbicides, cutting, pulling and mowing); 
• Trail maintenance and signposting; 
• Planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers;
• Fixing, installing, and maintaining signs and fences;
• Trash removal; 
• Species monitoring (birds, amphibians, invertebrates);
• Conducting educational programs; 
• Constructing, installing, and monitoring nest boxes; 
• Coordinating and working with volunteer assistants; 
• Data entry; 
• Boundary posting; 
• Mowing footpaths; and 
• All other duties as assigned. 

NOTE: Opportunities to assist on other field projects (e.g., goose banding, bird surveys, forest inventory, public outreach, etc.) may be made available as time allows and according to employee interest. Maintenance activities may also be required at various WMAs throughout Connecticut on occasion. Travel to other work sites will be by State-owned vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree in wildlife management or related field;
• Ability to identify local plants and animals;
• Ability to identify local birds by sight and sound;
• Experience with GIS/GPS;
• Knowledge of habitat management practices for wildlife;
• Invasive plant identification; and
• Experience in providing environmental education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class who are assigned as supervisors of small recreational units will perform emergency first aid as needed and will be required to obtain and retain a Basic First Aid Certificate. 
• Incumbents in this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:
  • Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license. 
  • Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides. 
  • College training in a specific field. 
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific State facilities. 
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must have and retain an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Certification (includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid). An EMT or MRT certification may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must be able to demonstrate American Red Cross (ARC) waterfront lifeguarding swimming skills.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.