Inland Fisheries Management Programs

Introduction

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Fisheries Division advances the conservation, enhancement, restoration, use, and appreciation of Connecticut's fish, fisheries, and fish habitats.The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division is currently recruiting for diverse and talented Seasonal Research Assistants to be part of our team led by a fisheries biologist or fisheries technician at our Division's field offices in Marlborough and Watertown. Employment is anticipated to begin in Spring (February-June) or Fall (August-October) and last for six months. Hours will primarily be during normal, first shift working hours, but regular late night and weekend work will also be required.

Seasonal Research Assistants

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Employment will begin in Spring (March-May) or Fall (August-October) and last for six months.
• Seasonal Research Assistants for this program will work primarily out of either the Eastern District Headquarters at 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447, or the Western District Headquarters at 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795.
• Hours will often be during normal, first shift working hours, but late night and weekend work will also be required. 

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Collecting trap net and electrofishing data from rivers/streams and lakes/ponds;
• Independently conducting counts/interviews of people engaged in fishing;
• Assisting in the operation of spawning marshes for Northern Pike;
• Assisting in the daily stocking and operations at state trout hatcheries;
• Entering fish community and angler survey data;
• Processing ageing structures of fish (e.g., scales and otoliths);
• Assisting with general maintenance and upkeep of various structures, buildings and equipment like boats, trailer, and motors.

Selection Plan

1. Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.

2. Ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

3. Regularly check your email for notifications (be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error).

4. For questions about the position, please contact Andrew Bade via email at Andrew.Bade@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

This position may be involved with any or all of the following: independently counting and/or interviewing anglers engaged in fishing, collecting fish using trap and gill nets, conducting electrofishing sampling of fish communities within rivers and streams and/or lakes and ponds, assisting in the operation of spawning marshes for Northern Pike, assisting in the daily stocking and operations at state trout hatcheries, entering fish community and angler survey data, sign posting at fishing access locations, collecting data using side scan sonar, cleaning and processing fish ageing structures, and assisting with general maintenance and upkeep of various structures, buildings, and equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College level course work and/or experience in one or more of the following: outdoor education, aquatic biology, ecology, fisheries biology or management, and environmental science;
• Experience with Connecticut's freshwater fish;
• Experience working independently outdoors on the water, weekends, and late into the night;
• Ability to walk in and along streams/rivers in moderate to swift current;
• Ability to lift and carry 50 or more pounds;
• A Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation;
• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite software;
• The ability to perform basic mechanical and carpentry work.

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.