Conservation Specialist

The Town of Needham is seeking passionate candidates to fill the position of Conservation Specialist within the Planning and Community Development Department. Under the general supervision of the Director of Conservation, the Conservation Specialist assists the Division in the administration and enforcement of the MA Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131 Section 40), Rivers Protection Act, the Needham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Article 6), and their respective regulations, guidelines and policies. This role also provides support in office administration and organization, public assistance, grant administration, and land conservation and management.

This position is ideal for those looking to continue their career within municipal government while being provided with great benefits such as employer-paid training opportunities, professional development and certification opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options, and more. For a full list of benefit offerings, please view the "Benefits" tab at the top of the posting on our applicant portal.

CON #25108

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Assists in advising a variety of applicants on the permit application policies and procedures related to the MA Wetlands Protection Act (Act), the River's Act, the Town of Needham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Bylaw) and Regulations, and other inquiries via phone, email, website, and in person.
• Reviews applications for completion, conducts timely property review, and determines if projects fall under the Commission's jurisdiction and require permitting.
• Prepares and coordinates legal requirements of both the Act and the Bylaw regarding permit applications (i.e., legal ads, agenda postings, abutter notifications, permit issuance) and assists in drafting of wetland permits and approvals for Commission review.
• Participates in site inspections for a variety of functions including project review process, pre-construction meetings, ongoing inspections for project compliance, site inspections in support of Certificate of Compliance requests, and inspections for violations and enforcement actions.
• Performs field review of wetland resource delineations, including assessment of resource impacts from proposed projects.
• Assists in planning, acquisition, administration, and management of conservation land, including the Ridge Hill Reservation Ecological Management Plan.
• Assists with the preparation of grants and proposals for the acquisition and maintenance of conservation lands.
• Assists with community outreach events, social media, and public educational efforts, coordinating with conservation partners and agencies as needed.
• Recruits, organizes, trains, monitors, and coordinates volunteers and trail stewards to maintain lands, trails, and signage including in-person trainings/kick-off events, safety reviews, monitoring, and reporting methods, establishing and maintaining a database with projects identified by trail stewards and volunteers and liaising with others to resolve trail maintenance needs.
• Sets up the Conservation Commission Zoom meetings including sending out Zoom invitations and monitoring during the meeting for audience questions; attends two (2) evening Commission meetings per month, via Zoom or in-person as needed.
• Assists with the implementation of Division policies and procedures associated with wetland project violations and enforcement actions as directed.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Completion of a four-year degree program; degree in Natural Resources, Conservation, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
• One to three years of related experience
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, ability to interact with a wide variety of people and situations.
• Broad knowledge of state, federal and local environmental regulations, reading engineered plans and topographic maps, botany and wildlife, computer software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Preferred but not Required Qualifications

• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) preferred.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 9, 2025.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.