Conservation Land Management Assistant (Open Positions: 1)

The Town of Amherst seeks a full-time Land Management Assistant to assist the Land Manager in management/maintenance of town conservation lands including buildings and grounds, water bodies, trails, and parking areas. The Land Management Assistant may also work with forestry, perform wildlife habitat work, assist in construction projects, assist in supervision of seasonal employees/volunteers, and will perform other duties as assigned. Those with an Associate’s degree in forestry, arboriculture, environmental science, wildlife management, or any related field are encouraged to apply.

The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability. All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO.

SEIU Level B
Conservation Department
Land Management Assistant

Job Summary:
Performs duties to assist Conservation Land Manager including trail maintenance and construction, general maintenance of conservation lands, special projects including wildlife management, forestry and dirt work.

Supervision Received:
Works under the supervision of the Conservation Land Manager, who explains policies, procedures and general guidelines and inspects work carried out. Is able to work independently without direct supervision.

Supervision Exercised:
Assists in the supervision of seasonal employees and volunteers providing instruction as needed for trail maintenance work, general building and grounds maintenance, forestry and wildlife habitat work, bridge construction and related projects.

Major Duties:
1. Assists in management and maintenance of town conservation lands including buildings and grounds, water bodies and parking areas. Performs mowing, tree removal, vegetation management, tractor work, posting boundaries, and keeping records of field management activities. This includes hazardous tree removal of trees on the ground and suspended in the air. Basic abilities to perform general maintenance, diagnostics and simple repairs on the equipment.

2. Assists in laying out, constructing and maintaining bridges and boardwalks and flow structures; mapping and marking trails; coordinating and directing volunteers in carrying out special projects; and maintaining records of projects, and current trail conditions. Assists in wetland permitting process for construction projects. Including the planning and logistics in time and materials for projects.

3. Wetlands monitoring and ponds maintenance. Including efforts to keep the ponds and brooks clean and regularly assisting with sampling the water which is sent to the lab for testing. Keeping the conservation areas clean and safe. Including picking up public trash, and supervising seasonal staff and volunteers to clean up trash. This includes the exposure to homeless waste/objects, and dog waste.

4. Forest management: marking property boundaries; preparing timber sales by marking trees to be harvested, preparing bid documents and contracts; supervising and inspecting cutting jobs in progress, inspecting parcels for problems; carrying out timber inventory work, preparing and filing forest cutting plans and abutter notifications. Evaluating current land management needs, preparing long-range management plans, and performing related work as necessary.

5. General ability to operate and/or work around tree and dirt moving machines and equipment to assist in various construction and maintenance projects. Knowledge of tractor operation, hydraulic implements, mowing operations and pto attachment functions. Hauling equipment with trucks and trailers from the town buildings to various work sites and repair shops.

6. Building maintenance. Including general maintenance inside and out on a number of conservation department buildings. Some but not all of these duties include mowing, plowing, construction repairs, cleaning, painting, servicing/winterizing the heating and plumbing systems, etc. Making and installing signage and fencing of all kinds to identify areas, define parking and other important features and/or for public safety.

7. Maintains departmental equipment in good condition, doing routine maintenance, keeping equipment inventory, and keeping equipment organized in the department workshop.

8. Assisting in training and supervising summer employees. Procures materials and equipment for all department field operations as necessary.

9. Education and enforcement officer of rules at conservation areas, specifically at Puffers Pond. Including writing tickets as a special police officer/constable.

10. Keeps records of all projects, with a permanent logbook of projects planned and completed. Assists with oversight of rental agreements, license agreements and contract work. Works with abutters and the general public to acquaint citizens with work in progress, enlist help and support for specific projects.

11. Responds to emergencies involving town lands as necessary.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:
Associates degree in forestry, arboriculture, environmental science, wildlife management, or related field, plus two years’ experience or any combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary for the position.

Thorough knowledge of forestry and state forestry statutes, wildlife habitat improvement, plant and wildlife identification, equipment operation and basic maintenance and construction methods, carpentry, and related areas. Knowledge of land management techniques; conservation and open space; familiarity with municipal governments; strong organizational skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and strong leadership abilities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to plan and supervise the work of staff and volunteers. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment. Ability to read and interpret directions; ability to guide, motivate and direct employees.

Special Requirements:
Hoisters License to operate hydraulic equipment such as tractors, excavators and boom mowers (2A and 4G. (Can be obtained within one year of employment).

Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class B with Air Brakes endorsement (Can be obtained within one year of employment).

Pesticide applicators license (Can be obtained within 6 months of employment).

Massachusetts Arborists certification and Massachusetts Timber Harvesting License are a plus.

First Aid/CPR card a plus. This will be included training as a staff person in the Conservation Dept.

Tools and Equipment:
Chainsaw, tractor mounted brush hog, mower, auger, common hand and power tools, brush cutters, mostly light trucks, sometimes heavy trucks, trailer, aerial lift, drum roller, front end loader, compressor, field tillage equipment, computer, including word processing software; calculator; copy machine.

Physical Demands:
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, but this is a very physically demanding position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet while in the office setting, and occasionally very noisy in the field.

Selection Guidelines:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above 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.

The 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.