Wildlife Management - Habitat Program WHAMM

Introduction

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT - HABITAT PROGRAM WHAMM

The Wetlands Habitat and Mosquito Management (WHAMM) program of the Wildlife Habitat Unit has statewide responsibility to conduct mosquito control activities in coastal and inland sites, applies herbicides to control invasive plants, operates light and heavy equipment in wetland environments, and assists in management activities on state wildlife areas. 

This position will work primarily with the Wetland Habitat and Mosquito Management (WHAMM) Program at its Madison location but will assist others in the Wildlife Habitat Unit as needed.

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 Roger Wolfe at roger.wolfe@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

• Assist staff in inspecting wetlands for mosquitoes and invasive plants, and applying pesticides to control as needed;
• Assist staff in shop and field in repair, maintenance and operation of vehicles and field equipment; and
• Work may also involve tasks such as replacing and maintaining culverts and water control structures, excavation and earth moving projects, and invasive plant control (applying herbicides and mowing) in salt marshes and inland wetlands for wetland habitat.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred candidates possess additional levels of training and experience which may include any of the following:

• A CDL;
• Use and maintenance of machinery and power equipment such as deck mowers, chainsaws, brushcutters, tractors, and medium-duty vehicles;
• Skills in carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repairs, grounds maintenance, trailer towing, and boat handling; 
• Experience operating construction equipment (light and heavy duty trucks, dozers, excavators); 
• CT boating certificate; and
• Basic computer skills (MS Office).

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.