Background:
The Conservation Board (CB) has the responsibility of advising the City's Development Review Board, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and City Council on matters that affect environmental quality, and to provide protection of our wetlands, natural areas, and environment.
The Board is comprised of nine volunteers with a demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation appointed by the City Council to 4-year terms. The Council endeavors to fill seven of the nine seats with representatives from each of the seven city wards. Three seats are filled by persons with expertise in one or more of the following areas: environmental law, environmental science, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, and natural resource planning. Staff assistance is provided by the Department of Permitting & Inspections. The Conservation Board generally meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 pm.
Essential Job Functions:
- Review of site plans and storm water designs for conformance with applicable city regulations with regard to issues such as preserving the natural landscape, providing open space, control of storm water runoff, and overall environmental design quality.
- Conduct site visits, either as a Board or individually, to view property that may be proposed for development to better understand the relationship of the proposed development with nearby land uses and natural surroundings.
- Identify and map existing designated natural areas and make recommendations to the Planning Commission of additional areas that may require ordinances and other land protection tools that will ensure protection of these valuable areas from potential damage by development.
- Collaborate with Parks and Recreation in the implementation of the Burlington Open Space Protection Plan and operations of the Burlington Conservation Legacy Program.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in the fields of environmental science, environmental or civil engineering, landscape architecture, natural resource or land use planning, real estate, construction, and environmental or land use law.
- Ability to read and interpret maps, site plans, aerial photographs, building elevations and other related plans and drawings.
- Ability to work effectively with project applicants, other city boards and commissions, Department staff, and the public in a professional and courteous manner required.
- Willingness to listen, learn, and compromise.
- Attention to detail, and ability to think in abstract terms.
- Patience and open mindedness.
- Ability to make decisions based on the best interests of the community as a whole, rather than those of the applicant or other special-interest groups.
Time Requirements:
The CB meets a minimum of one evening per month for meetings approximately 2 hours long - Meeting Schedule. In addition, an average of 1 to 3 hours per month is required to review meeting packets 4-7 days in advance of a meeting, and conducting site visits.
Application Process:
- Pick-up an Application from the City Clerk-Treasurer's Office in City Hall.
- Applicants for vacant positions must be nominated by a City Councilor. The Clerk-Treasurer's Office can provide contact information.
- Return completed applications to the Clerk-Treasurer's Office in late May of each year.
- The City Council will make its appointments in June for positions that begin their term in July.
