Job Description

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant Conservation Agent (Planning Analyst) within the Office of Economic Development’s Planning & Regulatory Services Division. The Assistant Conservation Agent is responsible for providing professional and technical assistance and administrative and customer service support primarily to the Worcester Conservation Commission. The position will support the Conservation Planner/Agent in protecting Worcester’s natural resources through administration and enforcement of the City of Worcester’s Wetlands Protection Ordinance and Regulations, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and regulations, as well as management of over 850 acres of conservation land. Responsibilities include reviewing and managing projects and applications, coordinating board meetings, conducting development review, preparing legal notices, agendas, and meeting minutes, issuing decisions as well as conducting inspections and investigating complaints.

Bilingual and multilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Process applications, both digitally and physically for the Conservation Commission
• Organize, track, and manage current and archival documents for land-use filings with the Conservation Commission
• Conduct review of applications submitted to the Conservation Commission for completeness with respect to applicable provisions of City and state regulations, policies, guidelines, and plans

• Provide technical, administrative, and customer support to the Conservation Commission, including preparation and review of meeting materials, agendas, and minutes and attend evening meetings
• Review and provide analysis of Conservation Commission filings, including but not limited to: Requests for Determination of Applicability and Notices of Intent

• Consult and coordinate with other City staff and state agencies (e.g., MassDEP) to ensure compliance with applicable code and permitting requirements and solicit review comments
• Assist applicants and the public with inquiries related to conservation and development

• Review building permit applications to identify cases in which permitting with the Conservation Commission is required
• Conduct fieldwork, investigate site conditions and complaints, and conduct inspections of erosion controls, etc.

• Operate computer and software applications, including GIS, to conduct or coordinate studies, analyze data, and prepare maps
• Assist with processing monetary transactions, developing invoices, fee refunds, etc.
• Coordinate meeting scheduling, setup, and preparation
• Prepare legal notices for publication in a local newspaper in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Draft Determinations of Applicability, Orders of Conditions, Extension Permits, Certificates of Compliance for review, issue decisions in accordance with applicable regulations
• Participate in evening meetings with municipal officials, consultants, boards/commissions, and neighborhood organizations, and makes presentations as needed
• Coordinate with other governmental agencies, businesses, residents, and community/conservation groups

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental planning
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-starter who can work well both independently and in team environments.
• Computer proficiency and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Acrobat
• Proficiency with GIS mapping and analysis.
• Ability to quickly learn new software and data management tools
• Strong database management skills
• Proficiency with records research methodology and searching records through use of online databases
• Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems and identify opportunities for process improvement or streamlining work
• Ability to prepare reports
• Ability to assist in preparing legal notices
• Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically in oral, written, and graphic form
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to read and interpret maps and complex information
• Ability to work in a faced-paced environment and consistently meet tight deadlines
• Knowledge and experience providing excellent customer service
• Ability to address questions and customer concerns via telephone, email, and in-person, in a consistently professional and courteous manner
• Strong organizational, written, oral communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to develop and maintain productive interpersonal relationships and work collaboratively across professional and departmental boundaries within and between organizations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, environmental policy, planning, civil engineering, or other related field OR
• Two (2) years of full-time or four (4) years of part-time experience in environmental science or policy, permitting, planning, or related role
• Proficient with computers, including proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, environmental policy, planning, civil engineering, or other related field.
• Two (2) years of customer service experience
• Certification from the Massachusetts Association for Conservation Commissions
• Experience conducting research, querying records, managing, and analyzing data, and/or process management
• Proficiency with online GIS viewers and/or ArcGIS Pro
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal wetlands and environmental protection laws and regulations including familiarity with and experience applying the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act
• Experience with principles and practices of natural resource conservation, ecology, botany, hydrology, stormwater management, erosion control, geology, land management, land development, state and local environmental regulations, erosion control methods, and floodplain management

SALARY RANGE: $29.45-$35.90 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit:  www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023, to:  City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA  01608. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to:  City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030,

**@wo*********.gov

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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