ENVIRONMENTAL HABITAT SPECIALIST I

Location:                 DNREC- Division of Fish and Wildlife                             

                                Augustine Headquarters                                                        

                                303 N. Congress Street

                                Port Penn, DE 19731

Deadline:   Until Filled    

Annual Salary:  $46,412.56                                                                                                           

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 Environmental Habitat Specialist I with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish and Wildlife – Wildlife section.

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Habitat Specialist I 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 installation of field buffers, restoration and maintenance of wetlands and retention ponds, and management and maintenance of habitat for both wildlife and storm water management. The Environmental Habitat Specialist I reports directly to an Environmental Scientist III.  The position requires the ability to manage and complete complex habitat projects, operate and maintain various construction and farming equipment used for conservation projects, and the ability to collect data on habitat management activities with reporting submitted to the Environmental Scientist III. 

The selected candidate should have knowledge of conservation management activities such as invasive species control, habitat restoration, timber stand improvement, and/or prescribed burning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

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

• Work on habitat restoration, implementation, and establishment efforts on division- owned lands.
• Provide daily updates to the Environmental Habitat Specialist II and III of changes in habitat management including new encroachment of invasive species.
• Collect field data on game species, actively growing invasive plants, quail and turkey numbers, and related reporting.
• Implement habitat management activities to maintain and increase productive habitat on division-owned lands, under the supervision of senior staff.
• May supervise seasonal staff.
• Provide guidance to division biologist staff of functional habitat management strategies.
• Implement actions to preserve and protect Delaware’s wildlife on division-owned lands, under the supervision of senior staff.
• Ability to collect data for research and TRACs.
• Represent the Division of Fish and Wildlife in a positive light with an attitude of teamwork and positivity.
• Have completed or will complete required prescribed fire courses to be able to participate in prescribed fire activities. (s130 s190 L180)

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Life, Physical, Applied Science or related field.
• Knowledge of environmental or natural resources project management, which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating environmental or natural resources projects to ensure objectives are met.
• Knowledge of collecting, analyzing, and evaluating scientific data.
• Knowledge of performing habitat management, restoration, or creation projects.
• Knowledge of operating farm or heavy equipment.

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.)
• Must successfully complete required prescribed fire courses to be able to participate in prescribed fire activities (s130 s190 L180) within 90 days 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 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.