MIDDLETON
CONSERVATION AGENT
Position Purpose:
Technical and administrative work coordinating the activities of the Conservation Commission
and enforcing all state and local conservation laws and regulations; other related work as
required. Periodically inspect conservation / open space / town land to ensure the property is not
being damaged.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs varied functions which range in nature from routine to complex
and which require considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action not
clearly defined by precedent, statute or established guidelines.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Conservation Commission and
the Conservation Administrator / Public Health Director, and in accordance with the applicable
state and local laws and regulations.
Supervision Given: Supervises one part-time department clerk; occasionally supervises
consultants hired by the commission to work on special projects.
Job Environment:
Some work is performed under typical office conditions; much work is performed in the field in
thick woods, swamps, and rough terrain, with exposure to various weather conditions and the
hazards associated with site work and construction sites. Required to attend night meetings.
Operates computer and peripherals; operates camera and hand tools; operates standard office
equipment such as copier, calculator, facsimile machine, and typewriter; operates an automobile.
Makes regular contact with town departments, state and federal agencies, developers, attorneys,
engineers and the general public; contacts involve furnishing routine information as well as
discussing complex environmental laws and methods of approach and procedures; contacts
require good customer service skills.
Has access to a minimum amount of confidential information; most information is public.
Errors could result in delay and confusion, have monetary and/or legal repercussions, and cause
adverse public relations.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various
types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.)
Acts as Conservation Agent and Technical Advisor to the Conservation Commission; provides
verbal and written reports to the Commission; answers questions of the general public.
Middleton, MA
Conservation Agent
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Enforces the local application of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and associated
regulations; provides public assistance and information on environmental matters, acquisition
and management of designated natural resources and conservation lands.
Advises applicants on wetlands applications for various projects; provides technical assistance as
needed; maintains office appointments; reviews all applications; analyzes submitted data and
plans; communicates with applicants, engineers, attorneys, consultants, etc.; prepares permits
and related legal documents; evaluates sites; monitors permitted projects; coordinates and
monitors violations and enforcement. Responds to complaints of wetlands violations; visits
properties and meets with neighbors.
Coordinates resources protection and management; assesses parcels for acquisition or other
protective management; prepares necessary management plans, legal documents, etc.; provides
information and technical assistance for the promotion of conservation areas and trail activities.
Acts as liaison with other town departments, boards and the general public; provides technical
assistance to other town boards and officials on land use and environmental issues. Reviews
wetlands boundary lines for all projects; testifies as to their accuracy at public hearings. Serves
on the municipal storm water permitting authority and assists other town departments in the
review, permitting, and inspectional duties related to the Middleton Storm water regulations and
bylaw.
Conducts on-site inspections related to filings submitted to Commission under Wetlands
Protection Act and Town Bylaw; processes forms, evaluates findings and submits
recommendations to the Commission within statutory time frames; investigates wetland and
environmental violations.
Conducts a technical review of data and plans for each project; reviews for completeness and
accuracy of information that is presented to the Conservation Commission.
Maintains information on all projects on the computer. Maintains files of departmental records,
maps, reports, plans and other material.
Assists the Commission in responding to: the Planning Board in environmental reviews under
Subdivision Rules and Regulations; the Zoning Board of Appeals in connection with Special
Permits in the Flood Control and Conservancy Districts and variances from the Zoning By-Law.
Advises the Commission in the supervision and coordination of activities, uses, and maintenance
of conservation lands; provides information to the public through handouts and press articles on
land use, wildlife habitats, and conservation issues.
Required to attend regular night meetings of the Conservation Commission. Prepares agenda for
the Commission meetings; ensures timely action by the Commission as required by State law,
Town Bylaw, or associated regulations; maintains administrative and reference files; prepares the
Commission’s budget for their review; maintains financial records.
Keeps the Commission informed as to changes in Federal and State environmental protection
regulations, as appropriate.
Middleton, MA
Conservation Agent
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Researches and applies for grants; prepares grant applications and oversees the administration of
the grants.
Drafts reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written material for Commission’s
review.
Attends professional meetings of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
and other training sessions and meetings as required.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field and a minimum of 1 year of
experience in environmental management, land conservation, or related field; or any equivalent
combination of education and experience. Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) preferred, but
not required.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental management.
Working knowledge of the statutes and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction of the
Conservation Commission. Working knowledge of botany and geology. Working knowledge
of soil types and their functions and the ability to verify wetland boundaries as described in the
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations. Ability to identify indigenous wildlife.
Ability: Ability to deal appropriately and tactfully with town officials, town employees, the
general public, attorneys, engineers, consultants and governmental agencies. Ability to
communicate clearly in written, oral and graphic form and to organize departmental activities
effectively. Ability to solve problems. Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
Skill: Excellent customer service skills. Computer skills for word processing, presentations, and
data tracking. Skill in GIS and GPS. Skill in all of the above listed tools and equipment.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate
objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other
common office objects. Employee may infrequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30
pounds such as books, equipment, supplies, etc. Employee may spend a significant portion of
shift walking, standing, traversing uneven terrain, kneeling, crawling, and crouching. Vision and
hearing at or correctable to normal ranges; ability to distinguish colors.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.)
Revised: 9-4-2014
Middleton, MA
Conservation Agent
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