Assistant Conservation Agent

STURBRIDGE, TOWN OF; Sturbridge (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Town of Sturbridge is seeking an Assistant Conservation Agent to support wetlands permitting, environmental compliance, and natural-resource protection. Under the Conservation Agent, you will help manage permits, perform site inspections, and coordinate with Town boards.

The role includes public communication and departmental record management. The position offers 30 hours per week with some evening meetings and a focus on conservation land management, environmental planning, and open-space

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural-resource protection and environmental regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans and regulatory documents.

Responsibilities

• Review wetlands applications and plans for compliance with state and local regulations.
• Conduct field inspections and investigations of potential violations; assist enforcement activities.
• Coordinate daily office operations, maintain permit records, and respond to public inquiries.
• Prepare agendas, materials, and minutes for the Conservation Commission and other committees.
• Assist with conservation land stewardship, open-space planning, trails, and environmental monitoring.
• Support grant administration, procurement, GIS mapping, and public outreach.

Skills

Environmental regulations

Natural-resource protection

Field inspections

Administrative support

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

MACC Fundamentals Certificate

Tools

GIS mapping

MS Office

Job description

The Town of Sturbridge is seeking an Assistant Conservation Agent with a strong understanding of environmental regulations, natural-resource protection, and municipal conservation operations. Working under the direction of the Conservation Agent, this position performs a combination of professional, technical, field, and administrative work involving wetlands permitting, environmental compliance, natural-resource protection, and conservation land management.

The successful candidate will assist with the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town's Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations, including application review, site inspections, permitting, and compliance monitoring. The position also supports the daily operations of the Conservation Department, including meeting preparation, public communication, record management, and coordination with Town boards and committees.

This position offers an opportunity to apply technical knowledge and experience while contributing to a broad range of conservation, environmental planning, and natural-resource management initiatives.

Rate: $23.88 - $32.26/hr

Schedule: 30 hours per week, primarily during regular Town office hours, with some scheduling flexibility based on departmental needs. Occasional evening meetings are required.

Environment: The Sturbridge Conservation Department is a small, collaborative municipal department with a diverse workload combining office administration, environmental permitting, fieldwork, and natural-resource management. The position requires organization, adaptability, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with Town staff, boards, residents, and environmental professionals. Occasional evening meetings are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Environmental Permitting & Review: Review applications, plans, and supporting documentation for compliance with state and local wetlands regulations; assist with preparing permits, determinations, and recommendations.
• Field Inspections & Compliance: Conduct site visits, wetland verification, compliance inspections, and investigations of potential violations; assist with enforcement activities.
• Department Administration: Coordinate daily office operations, maintain permit records, track deadlines, process correspondence, and respond to public inquiries.
• Board & Committee Support: Prepare agendas, meeting materials, minutes, and legal notices; provide administrative and technical support to the Conservation Commission and other designated committees.
• Conservation Land & Natural Resource Management: Assist with conservation land stewardship, open-space planning, trails, environmental monitoring, and natural-resource management initiatives.
• Projects & Department Programs: Support grant administration, procurement, GIS mapping, project coordination, public outreach, and other departmental initiatives.

The responsibilities listed above are a summary and are not all-inclusive. Please refer to the full Assistant Conservation Agent Job Description for additional duties, qualifications, and position requirements.

Requirements and Qualifications

• ·Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; three years of related experience or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ·Working knowledge of natural-resource protection and management, environmental regulations, and applicable state and local laws.
• ·Ability to read and interpret site plans, technical documents, and regulatory requirements.
• ·Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• ·Ability to conduct field inspections and work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• ·Valid Massachusetts Class D driver's license.
• ·Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Fundamentals Certificate, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ·Demonstrated experience applying the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and/or local wetlands regulations in environmental permitting, consulting, or municipal conservation.
• ·Experience with wetlands delineation, environmental permitting, site inspections, or regulatory compliance.
• ·Familiarity with GIS/GPS mapping, stormwater management, and municipal conservation operations.

The Town of Sturbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.