Environmental Habitat Specialist

This is not a merit position. This is a contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.

The Kent Conservation District, a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for five contractual services positions (4 New Castle County; 1 Kent County) of Environmental Habitat Specialist (EHS) with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish and Wildlife.

These positions assist in providing critical services to implement land and water conservation practices on nearly 68,000 acres of land. An EHS designs, implements, and maintains habitat restoration and management projects like field buffers, wetlands restoration, upland habitat management including meadows and forests, and day-to-day maintenance and management of the State’s wildlife areas, boating and fishing access areas, and the Mike Castle Trail.

These positions are focused on projects and facilities within their assigned counties but may also participate in projects statewide as needed and directed. These positions will have physical primary work locations assigned in their respective county; however much of the time will be spent in the field and require staff to function independently and remotely with provided IT or other equipment.

JOB DUTIES:

· Assists with design and implementation of best management practices for habitat restoration and management projects to sustain diverse wildlife habitats on state wildlife areas.

· Identifies/controls invasive plants by mechanical removal, chemical application, and other methods.

· Collects/organizes field data such as plot and species-specific surveys and plant identification.

· Assists with recommending practices to continuously improve long-term sustainable habitat management.

· Applies prescribed fire as a tool for habitat restoration and maintenance including assisting with burn plans, permits, and evaluating conditions and results.

· Assists with the operation/maintenance of construction/farming equipment used for conservation projects.

· Performs various maintenance trades such as general carpentry or groundskeeping.

· Conducts field work within difficult areas and conditions and completes daily activity reports.

· Assists in preparing reports for federal, state, and non-profit agencies/conservation partners.

· Explains laws, rules, regulations, and policies to the public and staff regarding projects/activities and use of state wildlife areas and provides technical assistance on habitat restoration and management.

· Represents the Division at meetings/workshops to promote habitat projects and build collaboration.

· Supervises/trains seasonals, inmates, and volunteers on conservation methods/practices and equipment operation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possession of either 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/restoration practices.

2. Knowledge of concepts, principles, practices of habitat management or restoration projects.

3. Knowledge of operating and maintaining habitat management equipment.

4. Knowledge of collecting, analyzing, and evaluating environmental data, and technical report writing

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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Possession of a valid Delaware Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

2. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Kent Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H1-B Visas.

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

BENEFITS:

The Kent Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefit package including: 37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options, 15 paid vacation days the first year, 9 paid holidays a year, and 15 paid sick leave days per year. Pension and health insurance are also included in the benefits package. Direct Deposit of paychecks will be required as a condition of employment for new employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,132.00 - $47,089.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $42,132 - $47,089