Assistant Conservation Director (PDF)

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

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form and cover letter must be received in

the Town's Human Resource Department on or before November 21, 2025.

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Assists the Conservation Director in managing a municipal conservation program, including

performing a variety of complex administrative, professional, and technical work in connection

with the interpretation, processing and enforcement of the State Wetlands Protection Act, the DEP

Storm Water Management Regulations and the Town Wetland Protection Code and planning,

developing, and implementing a comprehensive conservation land acquisition, management, and

stewardship program. Supervises staff and contractors, including recruiting, training, and

assigning work to volunteers. Assists in developing, managing, and monitoring the operating and

capital improvements budget. Performs all other related work, as required.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types

of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude

them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Conducts permit plan reviews for compliance with applicable environmental regulation

implications. Guides applicants through the filing process, resolves customer issues, and

maintains public records.

regulations or to investigate and resolve environmental incidents. Issues approved

correction orders and conduct compliance visits to ensure follow-through.

administer various programs and provide community outreach.

current trends and developments in the environmental and open space protection field,

through study and membership in professional development organizations.

employees.

year-round comprehensive conservation land acquisition, management and stewardship

program to meet the diverse needs of the Town-owned conservation areas and the citizens

of Lexington.

programs, projects, and activities, including natural resource protection, invasive species

management, native habitat preservation and restoration, and visitor access, education and

outreach.

budget. Develops and recommends operating budget program improvement and capital

improvement projects for planning and management of the Town's conservation land.

regulations under the authority of the Conservation Commission. Provides advice and

direction in implementing projects and activities. Responds to public inquiries regarding

conservation land, wetlands, and environmental laws and regulations. Assists in

developing cooperative working relationships with local service organizations, community

groups, businesses, and other departments.

for setting policies and making key decisions to the Conservation Commission and

conservation appointed sub-committees.

activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

preparation and follow up, including agenda development and recording minutes.

resources, watershed resources, and open space protection, including preparation of press

releases, newsletter articles, social media posts, and brochures. Makes written and oral

reports and recommendations to Town departments, boards, committees, civic groups,

Town Meeting and the general public. Leads events, makes public presentations, creates,

updates and maintains published content for the Town's website.

Supervision

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.

Supervision 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.

Supervision Given : Assists in supervision of staff and interns, in such positions as conservation

regulatory aide and seasonal field crew interns. Recommends vendors for hire and supervises

individual contract vendors. Annually supervises over 1000 volunteer hours of those working on

the Town's conservation land : responsible for recruiting, training, and assigning work of interns

and volunteers. Serves as the Acting Conservation Director in the Director's absence.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 3-5 years' experience in the following : Environmental

Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Protection; supervision; Project management, including

budget tracking; in Open Space Management; Environmental Stewardship; and Public Outreach

or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer

literacy is required.

Special Requirements :

site visits. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.

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 federal,

state and local codes, rules, laws, and regulations related to department operations. Knowledge

of Pesticides 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

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.

office equipment.

volunteer Conservation Stewards, Citizen and Select Board nominated community group

members, scout groups, high school clubs, the public, and conservation organizations

from surrounding towns.

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.

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.

defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job

functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be

determined by management on a case by case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and

employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and

requirements of the job change.

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