NCC Conservation Technician (part-time)

About the Position

The New Castle County Conservation Technician (Technician) is a key position at Delaware Wild Lands’ (DWL) and will help support DWL’s success in achieving our mission and expanding our conservation and restoration work. The Technician will support DWL’s land management and restoration efforts in New Castle County to ensure DWL’s lands in New Castle County are managed in alignment with their intended uses including farming, hunting, restored habitat, and/or wildlife reserves.

Responsibilities

Assist with the maintenance of NCC properties and ensure general upkeep of properties

• Access lane and gate maintenance
• Boundary monitoring and addressing trespassing issues
• Lease compliance monitoring
• Monitoring and maintenance of structures (barns, impoundments, houses, and outbuildings), including minor repairs and trash removal
• Operating, maintaining, and organization of light and heavy machinery and hand-powered tools

Assist with the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of DWL’s restoration projects and existing wildlife habitat

• Assist with restoration project site preparation, such as mowing, developing firebreaks, discing, planting, and invasive species management
• Utilize habitat management techniques to maintain and support established wildlife habitat, including invasive species treatment, prescribed burning, and mowing
• Monitor restoration sites and existing wildlife habitat areas to ensure goals are met
• Work with volunteers and lessees to assist with implementation of property management, habitat restoration, and outreach and education

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with the principles, practices, techniques, goals and objectives of natural resources conservation, preservation, and habitat and land management activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team environment to develop strategies, set goals, resolve problems, make decisions, adapt to changing work priorities, and implement plans that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of individuals, farmers, hunters, outdoor recreationists, birders, and representatives from Federal and state agencies.
• Ability to work outdoors for long hours and in various environmental conditions.
• Able to work on a flexible schedule with some night and weekend work and travel throughout the region, sometimes on short notice.
• Current and valid driver’s license.

Desired Skills

• Experience in performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
• Experience in operating motor vehicles, farm equipment, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment, and hand power tools in various conditions and terrain.
• Experience with routine and preventative equipment and tool maintenance and knowledge of appropriate safety protocols.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify Delaware’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain history, species, natural communities, and ecosystems.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify plant life, pest or disease control, invasive species and management.
• Experience in herbicide application and other invasive species control methods and materials.
• Knowledge of local and regional natural resource issues, agricultural practices, and habitat management issues and challenges. Familiarity with aerial photos, surveys, topographic maps, and ability to navigate properties in remote areas.
• Experience using MS Office programs such as Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and without close supervision.
• Success in managing multiple concurrent projects.

The position will run for 12 weeks at 40 hours/week from June through August but exact start and end dates are flexible. The pay rate is $15.00/hour. This is a part-time position with the potential for extension or full-time work.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and must be received no later than 12:00 pm, April 1, 2025.

DWL Website: https://dewildlands.org/job-opportunity-dwl-ncc-conservation-technician-part-time/

Send cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Hannah Small

DWL Restoration & Research Manager

hsmall@dewildlands.org

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Townsend, DE 19734 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Townsend, DE 19734: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15