Environmental Protection Seasonal Resource Assistant

Introduction

Are you interested in advancing digital equity? This role offers the opportunity to directly support underserved communities by improving internet access in municipalities across the state. You’ll work closely with stakeholders to identify multi-family buildings that qualify for broadband upgrades, ensuring that more residents can benefit from online services like telehealth and remote education. By informing stakeholders about grant opportunities, collecting key data, and engaging with property owners, you'll help bridge the digital divide.

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), currently has an opening for a Seasonal Resource Assistant in the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy unit based in New Britain, Connecticut.

The Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy (BETP) is charged with developing policies and programs to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change; conserve, improve and protect Connecticut’s natural resources and environment; and provide equitable access to broadband and affordable, clean and reliable energy to the people and businesses of the state.

The selected candidate will support the Bureau’s Office of Telecommunications and Broadband in the implementation of the ConneCTed Communities broadband infrastructure grant program which in part seeks to improve residents' access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband by upgrading deficient wiring and infrastructure in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). The tasks assigned to the selected candidate may vary based on their background, skills, and expertise, while also providing opportunities to gain experience in a variety of areas.

This hybrid position is up to 40 hours per week; 1,040 hours or 12 months maximum in duration.

Responsibilities include:

• Informing municipalities about the broadband grant program, highlight its goal of enhancing broadband services, describe program benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process;
• Identifying and reaching out to relevant municipal contacts, such as city planners, housing departments, and economic development officials who can help identify qualifying MDUs in their jurisdictions;
• Working with municipalities to help identify MDUs that meet the program’s eligibility criteria;
• Working with partner agency staff and contacts to identify MDUs through existing contacts and methodologies;
• Collecting data to support MDUs’ classification as ‘underserved’ locations by utilizing data sources and methods permissible in the program’s application guidance;
• Bringing awareness to the online MDU survey posted on DEEP’s website which collects detailed information about MDUs that could benefit from upgrades, including property addresses, current broadband status, and property ownership details;
• Engaging with property owners to inform them about the program and seek their consent to participate in the broadband infrastructure upgrades;
• Contributing to other program outreach and stakeholder engagement activities;
• Assisting in the preparation of materials, documents and reports regarding program activities;
• Performing related duties as required.

Selection Plan

1. Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.

2. Ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

3. Regularly check your email for notifications (be sure to check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error).

4. For questions about the position, please contact Kevin Pisacich at Kevin.Pisacich@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as a limited duration employee, performs one or more of a variety of tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Ability to follow instructions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience communicating to internal and external stakeholders;
• Experience working within a team to develop and complete a project;
• Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications;
• Experience conducting research or analysis;
• Experience developing technical reports;
• Experience or coursework in any one of the following: energy or utility policy or program implementation, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, transportation decarbonization, affordable housing development, broadband or telecommunications infrastructure, climate mitigation, or environmental science, economics, finance, or public policy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class who are assigned as supervisors of small recreational units will perform emergency first aid as needed and will be required to obtain and retain a Basic First Aid Certificate. 
• Incumbents in this class may be required for certain positions to meet any of the following:
  • Proof of possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator license. 
  • Possession of a valid license to apply pesticides. 
  • College training in a specific field. 
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification may be required by specific State facilities. 
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must have and retain an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Certification (includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid). An EMT or MRT certification may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain adequate physical strength and stamina to perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents performing lifeguard services must be able to demonstrate American Red Cross (ARC) waterfront lifeguarding swimming skills.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.