AQUATIC HABITAT MONITORING & RESTORATION SCIENTIST

Location:                 DNREC- Division of Watershed Stewardship            

                                285 Beiser Blvd. Suite 102                                                   

                                Dover, DE 19904

Deadline:    Until Filled

Salary:        $49,634.05

This is not a State of Delaware merit position.  It is a one-year contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.

The Kent Conservation District (KCD), a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the contractual services position of Aquatic Habitat Monitoring & Restoration Scientist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Watershed Stewardship - Watershed Assessment and Management Section.

JOB SUMMARY

The selected candidate will support environmental monitoring and restoration activities within the Division of Watershed Stewardship - Watershed Assessment and Management Section. The position conducts field-based monitoring of aquatic and wetland habitats and assists with implementation and support of restoration projects across Delaware. The work includes submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) monitoring, water quality data collection, wetland condition assessments, and assistance with habitat restoration activities such as SAV, wetland plants, oysters/shellfish, and other small-scale restoration efforts.

The position conducts field surveys using established monitoring protocols, including wading, kayaking, and small-vessel methods. Duties include collecting environmental and habitat data, documenting site conditions, assisting with restoration activities, and supporting data management and technical documentation. The selected candidate will work in coordination with program staff and restoration specialists and will support seasonal fieldwork, data quality, and project needs as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

Core Monitoring Duties

• Conduct field-based monitoring of aquatic and wetland habitats using established protocols, with a focus on:
  • Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) data collection including species presence, density, habitat conditions, and phenology
  • Assist with wetland condition assessments such as National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) field activities and data collection including soil, vegetation, and related water quality
• Maintain and utilize equipment to collect water quality parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and other water clarity
• Document site conditions using digital and paper-based data collection tools
• Navigate field sites via swimming, wading, kayaking, and small vessels in tidal and non-tidal waters in sometimes adverse weather conditions such as high heat, humidity, and buggy

Restoration Support Duties

• Assist with implementation of aquatic and wetland restoration activities
• Support SAV restoration efforts including seed handling, plant processing, and small-scale deployment activities
• Assist with Spartina/wetland vegetation planting, monitoring, collection, and processing activities
• Assist in the implementation of restoration adaptive management techniques
• Provide support for small-scale oyster or living shoreline projects as assigned
• Assist restoration staff with site preparation, monitoring, and post-restoration observations

Data & Technical Support

• Enter, manage, and organize environmental monitoring and restoration data using automated systems
• Assist with data quality review, organization of imagery, and field documentation
• Support preparation of technical summaries, figures, and documentation
• Maintain field equipment and assist with logistics and scheduling of field activities

Program Support

• Follow applicable environmental standards, policies, and procedures
• Adhere to safety protocols during all field and restoration activities
• Assist with special monitoring or restoration projects as program needs arise

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Applied Science or related field.
• Six months experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
• Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
• Six months experience in technical report writing.
• Experience with wetland plants and/or SAV is preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Conservation District participates in the Federal E-Verify system to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  The Conservation District shall require verification of identity, validating you are lawfully permitted to work in the United States beyond a temporary period without employment-based sponsorship.
• The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
• Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)

BENEFITS

The Kent Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:  37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options, 9.5 hours per month of accrued vacation leave and 9.5 hours per month of accrued sick leave (prorated the first month of employment), and 12 paid holidays per year (holidays and floating holidays follow the State of Delaware schedule.)  Health insurance and pension are also included in the benefits package.

The Kent Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.