JOB SUMMARY

The Norwell Conservation Commission (Commission) is responsible for the stewardship of Norwell's Conservation lands, managing over 2,000 acres, 20+ miles of trails, and 15 actively farmed fields. Currently the Conservation Agent and the Commission’s volunteer Trail Crew manage and maintain all our lands and trails. The Commission is looking to hire two summer interns to assist the trail crew with the work done around town, protecting and managing our natural resources and keeping our trails in excellent condition. No Town vehicle or housing is provided. Students majoring in Natural Sciences or a related study, who are seeking experience working in the field in a municipal Conservation department are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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. 

• Maintains the Town’s trails and historic stone walls by mowing, trimming, seeding, mulching, fertilizing, aerating, cleaning and the removal of trash and tree debris.
• Performs repair and installation of basic trail infrastructure.
• Operates and maintains various machine equipment, including but not limited to lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers, aerators, and hand tools.
• Performs other related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The employee reports to the Conservation Agent and is supervised by the Trail Crew Lead.  The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult, or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods.  The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions. 

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with coworkers incidental to the purpose of the work, and involve giving and receiving factual information about the work.  Ordinary courtesy and tact are required.  Contacts with the public may be required on an occasional basis. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent and 1 to 2 years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Class D Driver’s License with a safe driving record. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge: Working knowledge of materials, methods, and current practices essential to the construction and maintenance of municipal conservation trails, stone walls, conservation owned lands and related infrastructure and equipment.  Knowledge of field safety. 

Abilities: Ability to follow directions.  Ability to interpret and use maps in conjunction with other way-finding devices.  Ability to operate specialized equipment such as lawn mower, seeder/spreader, aerators, and basic hand and power tools. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to work as part of a team under the direction of the field supervisor.  Ability to interact with the public tactfully and effectively.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff and commission members.  Ability to safely carry out essential functions under inclement weather conditions. 

Skills: Strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, work ethic and customer service skills. Effective knowledge of landscape maintenance and operations of department equipment. 

Work Environment

The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease.  Work may be continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.  Duties may result in potential exposure to poison ivy, ticks, bug bites and thorny plants.  Work requires agility and physical strength in the field, such as walking through wetlands, fields, forest understory, other rough terrain, and standing or walking for long periods of time.  Work may require the lifting and carrying heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds.