Conservation Agent

The Town of Foxborough, MA is seeking a Conservation Agent to manage and support the Conservation Commission in protecting natural resources. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, reviewing applications for compliance, attending public meetings, and overseeing land stewardship tasks. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a related field and five years of experience in wetlands protection. This position is not remote and is based in Foxborough, MA.
Description A wetland science-oriented position that provides support, coordination, and professional management for the Conservation Commission in carrying out its mandate and its mission to protect the Town's natural resources, including its biodiversity, conservation areas, wetlands, and other water resources. The Conservation Agent will perform technical inspection work including field visits, inspections of site work, drafting Orders, attending Commission meetings, and otherwise ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state and local wetlands and stormwater management regulations, codes, and bylaws, issuing findings and recommendations. Examples of Duties Conducts review of applications and filings to determine compliance with local wetlands and stormwater bylaws and federal and state laws, including the performance of field inspections for proposed wetlands work.

Monitors construction sites to ensure compliance with permits. Attends all public meetings and hearings of the Conservation Commission. Ensures legal requirements are met, including postings, timeframes, minutes, public records requests, open meeting law, and other requirements.

Reviews Notices of Intent/other filings and associated documents for accuracy, completeness and compliance with the law and regulations. Coordinates management of open space and general resource protection. Assists the Commission in the planning, management, and acquisition of Town conservation land.

Oversees and carries out land stewardship tasks such as trail building and maintenance, signage, and cleanup. Oversees maintenance of the Lane Property, an 89-acre protected area featuring a Learning Center. The Town deploys senior volunteers to assist in the maintenance and operation of this property.

Manages the implementation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, ensuring the Plan is updated as required by law. Familiarity with Bordering Vegetative Wetlands, including the ability to delineate wetlands throughout four seasons and identify and certify vernal pools. Researches, pursues and coordinates grant and other funding opportunities; manages grant funds.

Maintains the Town-owned conservation land database and performs Deed and Title Research as needed at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds. Researches and prepares legal documents, reports, and presentations for the Conservation Commission including drafting wetland permits, findings, scope of services, and other documents. Serves as an information resource for Foxborough residents and business owners, researching issues and providing data or explanations as requested.

Advises the public concerning wetlands protection laws and regulations as they apply to specific sites; responds to inquiries pertaining to Town conservation properties and land use. Responds to complaints and enforces wetlands regulations. May issue cease and desist orders or recommend appropriate action/remediation.

Maintains case files and materials including electronic records. Manages Conservation Department budget and expenditures. Manages a team of land stewardship volunteers.

Manages Conservation Office, including shared administrative secretary, and maintains regular office hours. Typical Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field and five years of experience in wetlands protection, land conservation, environmental management or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supplemental Information Supervision Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Land Use and Economic Development with additional oversight from the Conservation Commission.

Supervises volunteers and one shared administrative employee. Work Environment Administrative work is performed in office conditions; outdoor work includes wetlands and field investigations in various weather conditions with exposure to potential health hazards. Has regular contact with Town departments, boards, other governmental agencies, attorneys, engineers, consultants and the general public.

Additional Requirements Valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License. MACC Certification recommended Knowledge, Ability and Skill Thorough knowledge of wetlands protection laws, regulations and underlying principles of wetland science; knowledge of local plants, natural communities and wildlife, geology, hydrology; knowledge of currently accepted wetland assessment and storm water management techniques and wetland boundary identification. Ability to read and interpret technical data, engineering maps and plans, Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws; ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; ability to interact appropriately with the general public and project applicants; ability to work with other Town boards and departments; ability to communicate clearly in oral, written, and graphic form.

Technological skills; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; basic accounting skills; organizational and planning skills.