Sustainability & Conservation Planner

The Sustainability & Conservation Planner is responsible for tasks associated with the compliance and enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act, the City of Amesbury Wetland Protection Ordinance, and management of our open space and natural resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, relates, or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Reviews all Conservation Commission filings for completeness. Prepares a monthly staff report on all agenda items before the Commission. Monitors and follows up on all filings approved by the Commission (including some limited environmental monitoring and site evaluation) and keeps a detailed record, revising forms as necessary. Files all information to ensure it is readily available to the Conservation Commission and the public for review.
• Acts on behalf of the Conservation Commission as assigned and advocates for applications in compliance with the WPA and the local Wetlands Ordinance.
• Works cooperatively and effectively with City officials, employees, government agencies, the public, attorneys, engineers, consultants, residents, and project applicants.
• Serves as an information resource, researches issues, and provides data to the Commission and other city staff. In addition, prepares and presents reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written material for the Conservation Commission review or for use by other City officials, administrative or judicial authorities.
• Attends all meetings of the Conservation Commission, the Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee and other public meetings as necessary.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the Conservation Commission.
• Executes relevant short- and long-range plans and objectives associated with the Conservation Commission and the Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee.
• Assists the Director, as needed, in the supervision and coordination of long-range planning, policy development, and supervises the city's part-time Energy Manager
• Acts as the City's Floodplain regulator for wetland and floodplain inquiries.
• Works according to established department and City policies and procedures, standards, special directives, instructions, and intent.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situation dictates.

Supervision:

Received : Works under the direction of the Director of Community and Economic Development and acts as the staff liaison to the Conservation Commission through its Chair and Vice Chair, and the Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee.

Exercised : Supervises and directed Energy Manager

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or advanced training in Environmental Science or related field and a minimum of five (5) years working in wetlands protection (preferably as a MA Conservation Agent), land conservation, environmental management, or closely related field; or an equivalent combination training and experience.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a Motor Vehicle Class D Operator's License and a readily available vehicle.

Required Skills and Qualities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of land protection and management and statutes and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission including the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act , the City of Amesbury Wetlands Protection Ordinance , and associated regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of wetland boundary identification/verification based on plant species and indicator status.
• Identification of hydric soils using Munsell or similar charts.
• Knowledge of relevant areas of pure and applied wetland science such as vegetation communities, functions and values, and replication; rare species requirements, vernal pools and the certification process; erosion control techniques, retention and detention ponds.
• General knowledge of the Green Communities Act including a focus on environmental quality, sustainability, climate change, and the reduction of impacts on our natural resources.
• Knowledge of computer programs, including Office 365 and the City's GIS program (MiMAP); equipment use including digital camera, field tools, copier/scanner.
• Ability to interpret and enforce, in an impartial manner, state and local laws such as the Wetlands Protection Act and local wetland ordinance.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and effective manner.
• Ability to deal tactfully with members of the public and establish effective working relationships with city staff, property owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors and other code enforcement or regulatory agencies.
• Ability to apply practical, intuitive reasoning to interpret and apply wetland regulations in a consistent and impartial manner.
• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills; effective customer service and negotiation skills.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here 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 position's essential functions.

Work Location:

Office of Community and Economic Development, City Hall, One Market Street. Work is largely scheduled during regular City Hall business hours, but also includes evening meetings and occasional weekend field work. Some work is performed under typical office conditions. Some work is performed in the field, in thick woods, and in wet areas. There is exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, high wind, rain, and snow. There can be exposure to potential health hazards, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus, plant irritations such as poison ivy, and the hazards associated with site work and construction such as noise and heavy equipment.

Physical Skills:

Minimal physical effort required when performing under typical office conditions; moderate to strenuous physical effort frequently required in the field. Often required to stoop, bend, reach, dig, and lift. Physical agility is needed to access all areas of conservation lands, potential acquisitions, and project sites. May spend several hours at a time walking or standing. Occasionally, work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling department equipment or materials.

Motor Skills:

Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples include operating a motor vehicle, using a personal computer, or climbing a ladder.

Visual Skills:

Employee is required to constantly read documents and construction drawings for general understanding and analytical purposes.

• Full time, 35 hour per week
• $75-90K depending on qualifications & experience
• Non-exempt / Non-Union
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Miscellaneous Information

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: Christine Caminero, Human Resources Director, City of Amesbury CamineroC@amesburyma.gov To remain posted until filled.

Job Details
Category
Employment Opportunities
Status
Open

Salary
$75-90K depending on qualifications & experience
Posted
August 17, 2026 12:01 AM
Closing
Open Until Filled