Env Scientist V - Aquatic Invasive Species & Aquatic Nuisance Control

Job Details

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Lakes and Ponds Program seeks a organized, collaborative Environmental Scientist V to support statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and management and Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC).

The role combines AIS/ANC coordination, grants, technical assistance, monitoring, outreach, and fieldwork with partners. Additional duties support inland lake monitoring as needed.

Primary Responsibilities
 

• Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Management
• Support Vermont's statewide AIS prevention and management programs, including:
• AIS Grant-in-Aid Program: Coordinate applications and awards; score proposals; obtain approvals; track expenditures and deliverables; review invoices and reports; support closeout; and provide technical assistance to recipients.
• Public Access Greeter Program: Support statewide watercraft inspection, decontamination, and AIS spread prevention through seasonal preparation, partner coordination, training, guidance, procedures, materials, data management, and evaluation.
• Early Detection, Rapid Response, and AIS Management: Assist with aquatic species surveys, suspected introduction investigations, rapid response, and management and control projects, including water chestnut.
• Technical Assistance and Outreach: Advise lake associations, municipalities, state agencies, and the public on AIS identification, prevention, monitoring, and management. Support community science, educational materials, and outreach.
• Project Coordination and Administration: Coordinate projects: develop plans and schedules, identify seasonal staffing needs, track budgets, manage contracts and records, evaluate outcomes, and maintain operational and field safety procedures. Assist with seasonal staff and intern supervision, training, and mentoring.
• Data Management and Analysis: Maintain and analyze AIS data, including geospatial information, to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and support state and federal reporting and planning.
   

Additional Responsibilities
 

• Inland Lake Cyanobacteria Monitoring and Assessment Support: Help recruit and train volunteer monitors outside the Lake Champlain Basin; review Cyanobacteria Tracker reports and follow up on unusual or incomplete reports; and coordinate significant bloom sampling with the cyanobacteria lead as needed. Assist with microscopic identification and inform lake associations, municipalities, and the public about cyanobacteria ecology, bloom identification, monitoring, and management. Support scientific assessments, data evaluation, and technical reporting with the cyanobacteria lead and program staff.
• Collaborate on emerging aquatic nuisance concerns, planning, technical reporting, and cross-program priorities. Develop procedures, educational materials, and grant proposals; support fieldwork and seasonal staff training as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND three (3) years or more of experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND five (5) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, or ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

OR

One year experience as an Environmental Scientist IV or two years as an Environmental Scientist III.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Considerable knowledge of aquatic ecology, limnology, environmental science, or related disciplines, including aquatic plant and animal taxonomy and ecology.
• Experience in AIS prevention and management, aquatic resource monitoring, or related water quality assessment.
• Experience with cyanobacteria identification, including microscopic identification and knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy.
• Experience coordinating projects, administering grants, managing contracts, and tracking budgets and deliverables.
• Strong organizational, analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills; familiarity with GIS, databases, or environmental data tools.
• Strong communication skills and experience in technical assistance, public outreach, or community science training.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate with diverse partners.
• Experience conducting aquatic fieldwork and operating motorized watercraft is strongly preferred.

Contact Information

Application Deadline Date:  11/24/2026

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