CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN III

Location:                DNREC- Division of Fish and Wildlife                        

                                Operations and Maintenance Section                     

                                McGinnis Pond Wildlife Shop – Felton, DE

                               OR

                              Nanticoke Wildlife Shop – Laurel, DE

Deadline:   Until Filled                

Annual Salary:   $39,674.86                                                                                                                               

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 Conservation Technician III with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish and Wildlife - Operations and Maintenance Section. 

This posting is for six (6) openings.  The posting will be removed when all openings are filled.

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations and Maintenance Section of the Division of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for maintaining Wildlife and Fisheries public access areas to ensure a safe and desirable appearance and experience for users. 

The Conservation Technician III position provides critical services to the Division of Fish and Wildlife and State of Delaware by implementing various best management practices for land and water conservation that help to reduce and prevent soil erosion and storm water runoff on over 68,000 acres of land owned and managed as State Wildlife Areas.

The selected candidate is responsible for hands-on projects that include restoration and maintenance of wetlands and retention ponds; maintenance of public access areas for Wildlife and Fisheries; and storm water management. The Conservation Technician III reports directly to the Wildlife Construction Project Manager.  The position requires the ability to manage and complete basic property management tasks; assist construction staff and habitat staff on various projects; and operate and maintain various construction and farming equipment used for conservation projects.

The selected candidate should have knowledge of conservation management activities such as property management and landscaping; and basic mechanical preventative maintenance and repair on vehicles, trailers, and related equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

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

• Applies conservation and preservation principles and practices in support of the management of the state's natural resources.
• Performs maintenance and repairs in a variety of labor/trades fields such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, welding, construction, grounds maintenance and assists higher level personnel on large scale projects.
• Operates, maintains, and repairs a variety of marine, land-based, and construction equipment/vehicles.
• Safely operates mowers, grass trimmers, leaf blowers, and various other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Inspects, services, and maintains equipment as required insuring its safe working condition.
• Learns applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Contacts are typically to respond to public and state agency inquiries and answer general questions regarding work activities.
• Ensures the safe usage of state owned, managed, and/or maintained grounds and facilities by the public.
• Completes standard forms/applications; maintains records and reports detailing daily activity, tool and equipment inventory, fuel and service logs and related activities.
• May oversee junior staff, temporary workers, community service workers, and volunteers.
• Assists with Fish and Wildlife Construction Staff, Habitat Conservation Staff, and/or Species Program Staff on assigned projects and duties.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• Three years’ experience in safely operating and maintaining motor vehicles and landscaping and groundskeeping equipment.
• Three years’ experience in safely operating and maintaining power tools, hand tools, and small equipment.
• Six months experience in performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
• Six months experience in routine maintenance of landscaping and groundskeeping equipment, motor vehicles, light trucks, vessels, and small equipment.
• Six months experience in land stewardship, plant life, pest or disease control, invasive species identification and management.
• Six months experience in recordkeeping.
• Basic carpentry skills are required.
• Must have the ability to perform physical labor and lift up to 50 lbs.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 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.)
• Applicants must read the detailed physical requirements for this position as provided during the hiring process and found online at https://statejobs.delaware.gov/explore/fce.shtml .

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service at (800) 232-5460 for assistance.  Call (302) 739-5458 if you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support.

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

TO APPLY

Please email 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, and 3) Kent Conservation District Employment Application to:

Jamie L. Willey, MBA

DNREC District HR Manager

Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov

(302) 608-5478

Kent Conservation District Employment Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Job Opportunities website: KCD Website

Employment Application must be signed by the applicant to be valid.  Electronic signature is acceptable.