Are you a multifaceted high-level leader who is passionate for fisheries management and natural resources in Connecticut?
The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Environmental Protection Assistant Division Director in service of the Bureau of Natural Resources: Marine Fisheries Management.
We invite you to explore this opportunity!

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
• and ability to apply management principles and practices;
• relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
• environmental protection principles, techniques, practices and issues;
• Considerable
• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• analytical, organizational and negotiation skills;
• Considerable ability to apply relevant agency policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in natural resource management, environmental conservation, energy research, energy planning, energy policy development, public outdoor recreation, environmental education, conservation law enforcement, pollution prevention, reduction and management, environmental regulatory programs or other related environmental protection field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity responsible for the supervision of professional and technical support staff performing environmental protection work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training in a scientific or technical discipline related to the environmental field including but not limited to the biological, earth or physical sciences, environmental planning, conservation law enforcement, environmental law, economics, leisure services, geographic information systems, geography with a concentration in geographic information systems, natural sciences or natural resources may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to the environmental field including but not limited to the biological, earth or physical sciences, environmental planning, conservation law enforcement, environmental law, economics, leisure services, geographic information systems, geography with a concentration in geographic information systems, natural sciences or natural resources may be substituted for five (5) years of the General Experience.
• A law degree with a concentration in environmental protection or doctorate degree in a field related to environmental protection may be substituted for six (6) years of the General Experience.
  NOTE: Education may only be substituted for a total of six (6) years of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree in natural resources management or biological, earth or physical sciences.
• Experience managing a workforce engaged in technical and policy work pertaining to marine fisheries management.
• Experience in managing and completing projects, including making decisions on project approach, setting measurable goals and timelines for project completion, managing financial and staffing resources, and delivering project outcomes.
• Experience with team building and conflict management practices
• Experience working with members of the commercial fishing industry, recreational anglers, and environmental organizations to develop fisheries management regulations or policies.
• Experience developing Interstate fisheries management plans in support of an interstate fisheries management commission or a federal fisheries management council.
• Experience conducting stock assessment science in support of an interstate fisheries management commission or a federal fisheries management council.
• Experience serving as a Commissioner or proxy at a Board meeting of an interstate fisheries management council, or experience serving as a council member or delegate at a regular meeting of a federal fisheries management council.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain a security clearance.
• Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.

YOUR ROLE

As an Environmental Protection Assistant Division Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of 14 full-time staff engaged in scientific and policy work that supports management of the living marine resources of Long Island Sound. You will also represent the State of Connecticut on interstate fisheries management bodies including the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the New England Fisheries Management Council. The new head of the DEEP Marine Fisheries program will have broad responsibility for the future direction of the DEEP marine sciences program, for working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to formulate fisheries management laws and regulations, and for working with a team of dedicated professionals across the Department to further the overarching environmental protection and energy mission of the agency.

In this role, you will be responsible to:

• Coordinate, plan, and manage the activities of the DEEP Marine Fisheries Program;
• Manage a team of technical staff, including setting workplans, evaluating employee performance, and ensuring compliance with internal agency policies;
• Manage budgets for multiple federal grants and state funding;
• Represent Connecticut on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and New England Fisheries Management Council;
• Formulate and implement goals and objectives for various projects conducted by the Marine Fisheries Program;
• Develop fisheries regulations and assist in developing state statutes;
• Build and maintain working relationships with external stakeholders such as the commercial fishing industry, recreational anglers, legislators, and environmental organizations;
• Lead public informational meetings and regulations hearings;
• Work with DEEP Communications staff to provide information to respond to public and media inquiries.

More details can be found in the class specification.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of the staff and programs of a scientific, regulatory and/or technical division.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assists in directing staff and operations of a scientific, regulatory and/or technical division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
• Assists in formulating and implementing program goals and objectives;
• Assists in development of related policy, goals and objectives;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws and regulations;
• Evaluates staff;
• Assists in preparation of division budget;
• Establishes and maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact on program activities;
• Provides or directs staff training and development;
• Prepares and/or oversees preparation of reports and correspondence;
• Performs public relations tasks;
• Oversees special projects;
• Serves as director in their absence;
• Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• Performs related duties as required.