Assistant Wildlife Biologist

Location:        DNREC- Division of Fish and Wildlife                          

                             Wildlife Section – McKay Field Office                       

                             6180 Hay Point Landing Road

                             Smyrna, DE 19977

Deadline: Until Filled

 Salary: $45,502.51                                                                                                                                 

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 Assistant Wildlife Biologist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish and Wildlife – Wildlife Section.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Assistant Wildlife Biologist (Environmental Specialist I), the selected candidate will provide critical scientific data and technical support to the Division of Fish & Wildlife and other agencies to promote the conservation, protection and responsible development of the State’s land, water and wildlife resources. This position reports to an Environmental Program Manager II, but day-to-day this position will work directly with lead project biologists within the Division’s Wildlife Section to undertake field work and conservation measures for game and non-game wildlife and rare/unique plant communities. Surveys and management will occur in varied habitats including forests, agricultural lands, grasslands, freshwater and tidal wetlands, and coastal beaches. The position will help conserve water and soil resources by assisting lead project staff on projects that impact coastal beaches and coastal and inland aquatic systems to include impoundments, riparian areas, wetlands, ponds and tax ditches, as well as upland habitats affecting waterways.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.            

• Works directly with lead project staff responsible for a broad suite of wildlife including waterfowl and other gamebirds, deer, furbearers, non-game migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Investigate wildlife populations and habitats and recommend conservation, protection and restoration practices to inform and guide management.
• Conduct field surveys of wildlife, plants and habitats to guide site-specific management actions.
• Provide technical assistance through site evaluations and assisting staff biologists to assess habitat or species population status.
• Provide guidance on game and non-game wildlife for habitat restoration and management projects on private and public lands.
• Provide guidance and assistance to the general public concerning nuisance and injured wildlife.
• Organize, process, and analyze large amounts of data.
• Assist with the writing and development of reports and presentations and provide information to partners in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and work with volunteers and seasonal support staff.
• May assist with the chemical immobilization of wildlife using a tranquilizer gun and/or dispatch of sick or injured wildlife with a firearm for disease monitoring.
• • Successful completion of chemical immobilization training and firearm training will be provided and required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Architectural History/Historic Preservation, Archaeology/Anthropology, or related field.
• Knowledge of the theories, concepts, principles, practices and procedures of an environmental specialty.
• Knowledge of the means and methods of analyzing and evaluating data.
• Knowledge of ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

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 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.)
• Criminal Background Check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The applicant may be required to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

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 11 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.