Town of Lexington
Assistant Conservation Director (PDF)
Town of Lexington, Lexington, Massachusetts, United States, 02173
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Town of Lexington
We are currently accepting applications for the full-time position of:
Assistant Conservation Director Department of Land Use, Housing & Development Starting Hourly Rate $38.16 - $43.55 per hour Excellent Benefits Package Application form and cover letter must be received in the Town's Human Resource Department on or before November 11, 2025.
GENERAL SUMMARY Assists the Conservation Director in the planning, development, direction, implementation and management of a comprehensive conservation land acquisition, management, and stewardship program. Supervises, coordinates, monitors, and administers land management and stewardship programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and outreach. Supervises contractors and staff including recruiting, training, and assigning work to volunteers. Assists in developing, managing, and monitoring the operating budget. Performs all other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervises seasonal Field Crew Supervisor and Interns. Recommends vendors and supervises contractors for land management activities.
Assists in the planning, development, direction, implementation and management of a year‑round conservation land acquisition, management, and stewardship program.
Supervises, coordinates, monitors, and administers land management and stewardship programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and outreach. Utilizes GIS as planning and mapping tool.
Assists in the development, management and monitoring of the division's operating budget. Develops and recommends operating budget program and capital improvement projects. Prepares, submits, and tracks grants.
Assists in interpreting and enforcing State and Local environmental laws and regulations. Provides advice and direction in implementing projects and activities. Responds to public inquiries regarding conservation land, wetlands, and environmental laws and regulations.
Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations. Coordinates conservation and land management activities with other departments and agencies.
Attends meetings and assists with meeting preparation and follow‑up, including agenda development and recording minutes.
Develops and implements public outreach and educational programs to promote natural and watershed resources, and open space protection.
Prepares and produces press releases, newsletter articles, social media posts, and brochures. Creates written and oral reports, and recommendations for Town departments, boards, committees, civic groups, Town Meeting, and the public. Leads events, makes public presentations, and creates, updates, and maintains published content for the Town's website.
Reviews permits and applications, including construction plans and specifications for compliance with environmental regulations. Guides applicants through the filing process, resolves customer issues, and maintains public records.
Performs inspections to verify compliance with environmental laws and regulations or to investigate and resolve environmental incidents.
Monitors sites to ensure possession of and compliance with permits. Issues correction orders, and re‑inspects sites.
Interacts with public organizations, State, and Federal agencies to administer programs and provide community outreach.
Maintains knowledge of Federal, State, local laws and regulations. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the environmental and open space protection field, through study and membership in professional development organizations.
Manages Conservation Division operations in the absence of the Conservation Director.
Performs other similar or related duties as required or as situation dictates.
SUPERVISION Scope:
Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized and technical working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.
Received:
Works under the broad and general supervision of the Conservation Director, following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.
Given:
Supervises Seasonal staff.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 1‑3 years' experience in Natural Resource protection; supervision; Project management, including budget tracking; Open Space Management; Environmental Stewardship; and Public Outreach or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Computer literacy is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid Massachusetts Driver's license is required.
Employee must have consistent access to a motor vehicle in order to complete required site visits. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.
GPS and GIS skills required.
KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of principles, practices, and policies of a comprehensive municipal conservation program. Knowledge of State and Local wetland protection law administration, interpretation and enforcement. Knowledge of Open space acquisition and management. Knowledge of Environmental protection outreach and education. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations for wetlands. Familiarity with town government. Knowledge of pesticide applications. Knowledge to apply for and manage grants.
ABILITY Ability to read and understand technical plans. Ability to interpret wetland state and local regulations. Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of regulations. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to learn and explain Department regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi‑task. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to navigate difficult conversations. Ability to enter data. Ability to recruit, hire, train, evaluate, discipline, and terminate staff.
SKILLS Advanced technical skills including wetland delineation techniques and land management planning. Proficient skill with Construction drawings, design specifications, and map/plan interpretation. Proficient skill with techniques and methods of effective public speaking. Proficient skill with research methods and techniques of preparing technical reports and data. Proficient customer service and organization skills. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations, including Graphics, presentation and meeting software, the Internet, and data collection and manipulation software.
JOB ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently in outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous plant and vector‑borne illness hazards, with moderate noise levels, fumes or airborne particles present, and working near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally, work is performed with risk of electrical shock and in vibration.
The employee may work overtime.
Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment.
The employee has frequent contact with community groups, co‑workers, seasonal crew, volunteer Conservation Stewards, Citizen and Select Board nominated community group members, scout groups, high school clubs, the public, and conservation organizations from surrounding towns.
The employee has access to confidential information.
Errors could result in personal injury/loss, delays or loss of service, monetary loss, injuries to other employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Frequently the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, communicate, or hear, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally the employee is required to taste or smell, and work with vibration. The employee frequently must lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or move objects weighing more than 100 pounds. Close, distant, color, peripheral vision and depth perception are required. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. This position requires the ability to operate light trucks, automobile, power and hand tools, and GPS units and a camera.
APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at www.lexingtonma.gov, email jobs@lexingtonma.gov, calling (781) 698‑4590 or by visiting the Human Resources Department. Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department. Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 (781) 698‑4590.
DIVERTING NOTE The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Conservation Director Department of Land Use, Housing & Development Starting Hourly Rate $38.16 - $43.55 per hour Excellent Benefits Package Application form and cover letter must be received in the Town's Human Resource Department on or before November 11, 2025.
GENERAL SUMMARY Assists the Conservation Director in the planning, development, direction, implementation and management of a comprehensive conservation land acquisition, management, and stewardship program. Supervises, coordinates, monitors, and administers land management and stewardship programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and outreach. Supervises contractors and staff including recruiting, training, and assigning work to volunteers. Assists in developing, managing, and monitoring the operating budget. Performs all other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervises seasonal Field Crew Supervisor and Interns. Recommends vendors and supervises contractors for land management activities.
Assists in the planning, development, direction, implementation and management of a year‑round conservation land acquisition, management, and stewardship program.
Supervises, coordinates, monitors, and administers land management and stewardship programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and outreach. Utilizes GIS as planning and mapping tool.
Assists in the development, management and monitoring of the division's operating budget. Develops and recommends operating budget program and capital improvement projects. Prepares, submits, and tracks grants.
Assists in interpreting and enforcing State and Local environmental laws and regulations. Provides advice and direction in implementing projects and activities. Responds to public inquiries regarding conservation land, wetlands, and environmental laws and regulations.
Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations. Coordinates conservation and land management activities with other departments and agencies.
Attends meetings and assists with meeting preparation and follow‑up, including agenda development and recording minutes.
Develops and implements public outreach and educational programs to promote natural and watershed resources, and open space protection.
Prepares and produces press releases, newsletter articles, social media posts, and brochures. Creates written and oral reports, and recommendations for Town departments, boards, committees, civic groups, Town Meeting, and the public. Leads events, makes public presentations, and creates, updates, and maintains published content for the Town's website.
Reviews permits and applications, including construction plans and specifications for compliance with environmental regulations. Guides applicants through the filing process, resolves customer issues, and maintains public records.
Performs inspections to verify compliance with environmental laws and regulations or to investigate and resolve environmental incidents.
Monitors sites to ensure possession of and compliance with permits. Issues correction orders, and re‑inspects sites.
Interacts with public organizations, State, and Federal agencies to administer programs and provide community outreach.
Maintains knowledge of Federal, State, local laws and regulations. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the environmental and open space protection field, through study and membership in professional development organizations.
Manages Conservation Division operations in the absence of the Conservation Director.
Performs other similar or related duties as required or as situation dictates.
SUPERVISION Scope:
Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized and technical working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.
Received:
Works under the broad and general supervision of the Conservation Director, following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.
Given:
Supervises Seasonal staff.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 1‑3 years' experience in Natural Resource protection; supervision; Project management, including budget tracking; Open Space Management; Environmental Stewardship; and Public Outreach or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Computer literacy is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid Massachusetts Driver's license is required.
Employee must have consistent access to a motor vehicle in order to complete required site visits. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.
GPS and GIS skills required.
KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of principles, practices, and policies of a comprehensive municipal conservation program. Knowledge of State and Local wetland protection law administration, interpretation and enforcement. Knowledge of Open space acquisition and management. Knowledge of Environmental protection outreach and education. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations for wetlands. Familiarity with town government. Knowledge of pesticide applications. Knowledge to apply for and manage grants.
ABILITY Ability to read and understand technical plans. Ability to interpret wetland state and local regulations. Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of regulations. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to learn and explain Department regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi‑task. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to navigate difficult conversations. Ability to enter data. Ability to recruit, hire, train, evaluate, discipline, and terminate staff.
SKILLS Advanced technical skills including wetland delineation techniques and land management planning. Proficient skill with Construction drawings, design specifications, and map/plan interpretation. Proficient skill with techniques and methods of effective public speaking. Proficient skill with research methods and techniques of preparing technical reports and data. Proficient customer service and organization skills. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations, including Graphics, presentation and meeting software, the Internet, and data collection and manipulation software.
JOB ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently in outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous plant and vector‑borne illness hazards, with moderate noise levels, fumes or airborne particles present, and working near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally, work is performed with risk of electrical shock and in vibration.
The employee may work overtime.
Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment.
The employee has frequent contact with community groups, co‑workers, seasonal crew, volunteer Conservation Stewards, Citizen and Select Board nominated community group members, scout groups, high school clubs, the public, and conservation organizations from surrounding towns.
The employee has access to confidential information.
Errors could result in personal injury/loss, delays or loss of service, monetary loss, injuries to other employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Frequently the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, communicate, or hear, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally the employee is required to taste or smell, and work with vibration. The employee frequently must lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or move objects weighing more than 100 pounds. Close, distant, color, peripheral vision and depth perception are required. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. This position requires the ability to operate light trucks, automobile, power and hand tools, and GPS units and a camera.
APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at www.lexingtonma.gov, email jobs@lexingtonma.gov, calling (781) 698‑4590 or by visiting the Human Resources Department. Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department. Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 (781) 698‑4590.
DIVERTING NOTE The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr