Environmental Analyst VII - Lakes and Ponds Program - Limited Service

Overview

Vermont is home to more than 800 lakes and ponds, from its largest well-known lakes - Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog - to ponds just a few acres in size. The Lakes and Ponds Program works to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore the health of Vermont lakes and the public uses that healthy lake ecosystems provide through outreach and education, monitoring and assessment, and regulatory programs. The program is one of eight in the Watershed Management Division, which utilizes a holistic, integrated watershed-based approach to managing Vermont's surface water resources.

 

We're looking for an experienced lake analyst to serve as the technical lead for Rulemaking in the Lakes and Ponds Program. 

 

In this role, you will:

• Conduct outreach, pre-rulemaking, and rulemaking as necessary for the Vermont's Use of Public Waters Rules in accordance with the Vermont Natural Resources Board Rules of Procedure and other administrative rulemaking procedures. 
• Oversee implementation of and provide outreach in support of Vermont's Use of Public Waters Rules. 
• Review petitions and make recommendations on proposed changes to the Vermont's Use of Public Water Rules. 
• Lead rule development and rulemaking processes for the Lakes and Ponds Program overall, including conducting outreach, responding to media requests and petitions, holding public meetings, preparing responses to comments, and presenting before the Interagency Committee on Administrative Rules and the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules.
• Assist in the review and approval of Shoreland and Lake Encroachment permits in accordance with the 10 VSA Chapter 49A, Shoreland Protection Act and 29 VSA Chapter 11, Management of Lakes and Ponds (Encroachment). Provide the public with technical information and assistance regarding shoreline stabilization measures and best management practices used to address bank stability, water quality, and habitat on lakeshore properties. Conduct inspections to assess compliance with issued permits or registrations.
• Serve as the public outreach lead for the Lakes and Ponds Program. Coordinate with the Lakes and Ponds Program to post material to the website, issue press releases, respond to media inquiries, and to create and review outreach products to be standardized across the Program and in line with the mission of the Division and Department.

 

In addition to the minimum qualifications, preferred candidates should have:

• Educational and professional background in rulemaking, environmental policy, environmental science, aquatic biology, limnology, or related field. 
• Knowledge of Vermont's Use of Public Waters Rules, administrative rulemaking process, state water quality standards, Shoreland Protection Act, VSA Chapter 11, Management of Lakes and Ponds (Encroachment), permitting process, and other relevant state and federal laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
• Experience with public outreach, public meetings, and working with stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to interpret technical information for general audiences.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.

Who May Apply

This position, Environmental Analyst VII - Lakes and Ponds Program - Limited Service (Job Requisition #52387), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jenny.Austin@vermont.gov.

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 or higher in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND three (3) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.