Environmental Technician III - Aquatic Invasive Species Program - Temporary

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Lakes and Ponds Program of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation seeks an energetic and outgoing technician to join our aquatic invasive species management team. The primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to serve as a field technician that provides technical and administrative support for the projects within the Aquatic Invasive Species Program. The projects include traveling to waterbodies throughout Vermont to complete aquatic plant and animal species surveys, assisting with the oversight of contracted harvesting crews while maintaining safety protocols for motorboat transport and other water surveying (SCUBA) techniques. The incumbent will also perform other duties as needed by the AIS Program that will include water chestnut monitoring and management, education and outreach, and complex data entry and analysis. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in AIS spread prevention efforts and those familiar with motorized watercraft. 

During the field season, the incumbent will work approximately 40 hours per week.

Specific job duties include:

• Assist with the planning and coordination of the state-wide Vermont Public Access Greeter Program and administered by municipalities and lake associations. Assist with the preparation and presentation of Greeter Trainings and publications as needed.
• Conduct AIS surveys and assist with coordinating and managing crews throughout the State to ensure practices and surveys are completed safely, accurately, and appropriately while maintaining professional standards. Monitor high priority inland lakes to detect any new AIS infestation in its early stage.
• Transcribe to technological platforms to increase efficiency for the program as a whole. This includes developing, managing, and collecting data and geospatial information for AIS populations (Water chestnut and Zebra mussel), AIS or Aquatic Macrophyte Surveys, etc.
• Prepare, present, and disseminate technical AIS reports and publications to a wide variety of constituents including the public, municipalities, research institutions, and governmental agencies.
• Provide technical support and overall maintenance for AIS equipment and watercraft including motorboats, decontamination units, scuba gear, sign supplies, etc. with internal and external partners on an ongoing basis.
• Environmental Factors

  Duties are performed in both a standard office setting and in the field, for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, construction sites during all weather conditions and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Heavy lifting and climbing may be required. Some work outside of regular work schedule may be necessary. Strong and conflicting opinions may be encountered.