Env Scientist V - Aquatic Invasive Species & Aquatic Nuisance Control

Overview

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Lakes and Ponds Program seeks a organized, collaborative Environmental Scientist V to support statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and management and Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC).

The role combines AIS/ANC coordination, grants, technical assistance, monitoring, outreach, and fieldwork with partners. Additional duties support inland lake monitoring as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Management

• Support Vermont's statewide AIS prevention and management programs, including:

• AIS Grant-in-Aid Program: Coordinate applications and awards; score proposals; obtain approvals; track expenditures and deliverables; review invoices and reports; support closeout; and provide technical assistance to recipients.

• Public Access Greeter Program: Support statewide watercraft inspection, decontamination, and AIS spread prevention through seasonal preparation, partner coordination, training, guidance, procedures, materials, data management, and evaluation.

• Early Detection, Rapid Response, and AIS Management: Assist with aquatic species surveys, suspected introduction investigations, rapid response, and management and control projects, including water chestnut.

• Technical Assistance and Outreach: Advise lake associations, municipalities, state agencies, and the public on AIS identification, prevention, monitoring, and management. Support community science, educational materials, and outreach.

• Project Coordination and Administration: Coordinate projects: develop plans and schedules, identify seasonal staffing needs, track budgets, manage contracts and records, evaluate outcomes, and maintain operational and field safety procedures. Assist with seasonal staff and intern supervision, training, and mentoring.

• Data Management and Analysis: Maintain and analyze AIS data, including geospatial information, to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and support state and federal reporting and planning.

Additional Responsibilities

• Inland Lake Cyanobacteria Monitoring and Assessment Support: Help recruit and train volunteer monitors outside the Lake Champlain Basin; review Cyanobacteria Tracker reports and follow up on unusual or incomplete reports; and coordinate significant bloom sampling with the cyanobacteria lead as needed. Assist with microscopic identification and inform lake associations, municipalities, and the public about cyanobacteria ecology, bloom identification, monitoring, and management. Support scientific assessments, data evaluation, and technical reporting with the cyanobacteria lead and program staff.

• Collaborate on emerging aquatic nuisance concerns, planning, technical reporting, and cross-program priorities. Develop procedures, educational materials, and grant proposals; support fieldwork and seasonal staff training as needed.

Who May Apply

This position, Env Scientist V - Aquatic Invasive Species & Aquatic Nuisance Control (Job Requisition #56112), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected].

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND three (3) years or more of experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND five (5) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

One year experience as an Environmental Scientist IV or two years as an Environmental Scientist III.

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of aquatic ecology, limnology, environmental science, or related disciplines, including aquatic plant and animal taxonomy and ecology.

• Experience in AIS prevention and management, aquatic resource monitoring, or related water quality assessment.

• Experience with cyanobacteria identification, including microscopic identification and knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy.

• Experience coordinating projects, administering grants, managing contracts, and tracking budgets and deliverables.

• Strong organizational, analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills; familiarity with GIS, databases, or environmental data tools.

• Strong communication skills and experience in technical assistance, public outreach, or community science training.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate with diverse partners.

• Experience conducting aquatic fieldwork and operating motorized watercraft is strongly preferred.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families

• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan

• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)

• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

• Low cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program

• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.