Oak Bluffs selectmen voted Tuesday to name Elisabeth Peterman as the town’s new conservation agent and environmental planner.

Ms. Peterman has more than 20 years of experience working for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

She was recommended by a screening subcommittee that included town administrator Robert Whritenour, assistant town administrator Wendy Brough and selectmen Gail Barmakian and Jason Balboni.

In an interview Tuesday selectmen quizzed her about her qualifications and interest in moving to the Island.

She said she was attracted to the community work and had grown up visiting the Vineyard with her family.

“This is something I think will be a great fit and I’m looking forward to doing,” she said. “I’m in it for the long haul.”

The conservation agent is the chief administrator for the conservation commission. Ms. Peterman currently lives in Saunderstown, R.I. She will work remotely and commute to the Vineyard while the new Oak Bluffs town hall is under construction.

She will replace conservation agent Liz Durkee, who recently left to take a job as the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s first climate planner.

— Aaron Wilson