Conservation Agent

Under the policy direction of the Community Development & Planning Department, oversees the development of land for compliance with the provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act, the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Marblehead Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Bylaw, the Floodplain District, and supports the Conservation Commission (“Commission”) as it carries out its responsibilities to administer and enforce the Act and Bylaw and regulations and policies;

works with Town staff to ensure proper stewardship of the holdings of the Commission, as well as other general planning duties as assigned for the advancement of the short and long range planning goals and objectives of the Town. Incumbent serves as the main point of contact with residents and customers for all Conservation related activities and questions.

The Conservation Agent/Planner works under the Director of Community Development & Planning.

The Conservation Agent/Planner is not responsible for other staff but will work with fellow staff, especially the clerical support person assigned to Conservation Commission related activities.

• Administers state and local wetlands bylaws, both filings and enforcement matters, and on behalf of the Commission works with town staff on management of public land under the Commission’s care, custody, and control, whether by restriction or fee ownership.
• Acts as point of contact for a landowner or developer, reviewing plans for compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act, the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations, the Marblehead Stormwater Bylaw and Erosion Control Regulations, and the Marblehead Floodplain District.
• Investigates, monitors, and makes recommendations to the Conservation Commission on matters involving wetland protection with the Town.
• Provides support, preparation, advice and participation at scheduled Conservation Commission meetings.
• Assist landowners and/or developers in preparing applications for Determination of Applicability and Notices of Intent, and Stormwater Permits and explains the provisions of the laws, by office visits, phone, and/or email.
• Meets with realtors, appraisers, attorneys, land surveyors, engineers, and other professionals regarding general wetland issues and specific projects.
• Reviews and signs off on building permit applications, and as needed, attend staff review meetings and comments on subdivision, special permit and site plan review applications.
• Before permits are issued for proposed building activity, inspects sites for determination of wetlands applicability, and inspects site development work in progress and at completion; sign off as appropriate.
• Attends Commission site inspections, conducts pre-and post-hearing and violation site inspections, conducts weekly/as needed inspections of ongoing construction for permitted projects, and reports results to Commission.
• Investigate reports of possible violation of the Wetlands Act.
• Reviews and field verify (except where an outside consultant is deemed necessary) wetland resource area delineations prepared and submitted by applicants for approval by the Conservation Commission.
• Upon requests of supervisor and as appropriate performs wetland resource area delineations and assists with preparation of Request for Determination of Applicability, Notices of Intent and Chapter 91 permit applications for Town projects.
• Ensure that notices for public hearings and legal ads are sufficient and comply with statutory requirements.
• Maintains, in an orderly and accessible manner, office records, files, and database, including wetlands and…