Environmental Habitat Specialist I

ENVIRONMENTAL HABITAT SPECIALIST I

Location: DNREC- Division of Fish and Wildlife

Augustine Headquarters

303 North Congress Street

Port Penn, DE 19731

Salary: $45,502.51

Deadline: Until Filled

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Habitat Specialist (EHS) position will provide critical services to the Division of Fish & 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 nearly 68,000 acres of land owned and managed as State Wildlife Areas and State Boating and Fishing Access Areas.

The EHS position is responsible for design, implementation, and maintenance of habitat restoration and management projects that include installation of field buffers, restoration and maintenance of wetlands and retention ponds, management of a variety of upland habitat types including early successional meadows and various age forests, and day to day maintenance and management of the State’s 19 wildlife areas, 4 cooperatively managed areas, and 66 boating and fishing access areas, and the Mike Castle Trail.

The EHS position reports directly to a Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager. The EHS position requires the ability to operate and maintain various habitat management and farming equipment used for conservation projects; the ability to perform various maintenance trades such as general carpentry or grounds keeping; and knowledge of conservation management activities such as invasive species control, habitat restoration, or prescribed burning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

· Assists and reports to the Regional Fish and Wildlife Manager on the design of specific habitat restoration and management projects to sustain diverse wildlife habitats on state wildlife areas in support of native wildlife species.

• Implements specific best management practices for the creation, restoration, and management of specific habitat types to include, but not limited to, early successional meadows, quality forest, freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands, ponds and transition zones between agricultural lands and wildlife habitat such as buffer strips and hedgerows.

• Identifies and controls non-native invasive plants through implementation of proven management practices to include mechanical removal, chemical application, and other methods that are practical for effective long-term management.

• Collects and organizes field data such as plot surveys, plant identification, and species-specific surveys and data collection to evaluate research and management practices for effectiveness and benefit to wildlife.

• Assists in making recommendations on future management practices to continuously improve long-term sustainable habitat management.

• Applies prescribed fire as a management tool for habitat restoration and maintenance including assisting in the preparation of burn plans, acquiring burn permits and evaluating burn conditions and burn results.

• Assists other regional wildlife area staff with the operation and maintenance of various construction and farming equipment used for conservation projects and performs various maintenance trades such as general carpentry or groundskeeping to ensure that the public has safe access to and usage of state wildlife and fisheries areas and associated facilities.

• Conducts field work activities within difficult areas and conditions.

• Completes daily activity and equipment maintenance reports and assists in preparing habitat and grant reports for federal, state, and non-profit agencies and conservation partners.

• Provides technical knowledge and information to the public as well as federal, state, and local agencies, project partners, on habitat restoration and management on state wildlife areas as well as lands not managed by the Division.

• Explains applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies to the public and state agency staff regarding on-going projects/activities and use of state wildlife areas.

• Represents the Division at meetings and workshops to promote successful Division habitat management projects and to build collaboration with other agencies and organizations that share Delaware’s commitment to building and supporting sustainable wildlife populations.

• Supervises and trains seasonals, inmates and volunteers on complex conservation methods/practices and equipment operations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have the following:

1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Science, or related field OR three (3) years of experience implementing habitat management or habitat restoration practices.

2. Knowledge of the theories, concepts, principles, practices and procedures of habitat management or habitat restoration projects.

3. Knowledge of operating and maintaining habitat management equipment.

4. Knowledge of the means and methods of collecting, analyzing and evaluating environmental/ecological data.

5. Knowledge of ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

6. Knowledge of technical report writing.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. 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.

2. Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.

3. 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 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.

TO APPLY

Please email cover letter, resume, and Kent Conservation District Application to:

Jamie L. Willey, MBA

DNREC District HR Manager

Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov

(302) 608-5478

Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Employment Opportunities website: kentcd.org

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $45,502.51 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Port Penn, DE 19731 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,503