Conservation Technician I - Waterways Program

Kent Conservation District is hiring a Conservation Technician I for the Waterways Program in Lewes, DE. This one-year contractual position involves hands-on fieldwork to support coastal and waterway management, including maintaining navigational channels and assisting with shoreline operations. Applicants should have knowledge of hand tools, small equipment, and basic carpentry skills, and must be able to perform physical labor in various weather conditions.
This is not a merit position.This is a position with the Kent Conservation District.Title:Conservation Technician I - Waterways Program Program:DNREC - Division of Watershed Stewardship's Waterways Program Location:Lewes, DE Closing Date:Until Filled Point of Contact:Jamie L.Willey, MBA (see below) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN I WATERWAYS PROGRAM LOCATION:DNREC - Division of Watershed Stewardship Deadline:Until Filled 901 Pilottown Road Lewes, DE Salary:$34,020.06 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 I with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Watershed Stewardship - Waterways program.This posting is for four (4) openings.The posting will be removed when all openings are filled.JOB SUMMARY The selected candidate will work as part of the Waterways program crew based out of the Lewes facility.This position supports coastal and waterway management projects in southern Delaware and services all state-maintained waterways.This position focuses on hands-on field work that helps protect and maintain navigational channels, remove hazards and marine debris, identify abandoned and derelict vessels, and associated waterway infrastructure tasks.Additional duties will be to assist with Shoreline operations, the sand by-pass plant, and to assist with yard and building maintenance.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.Install and maintain aids to navigation to provide safe and sustainable navigational channels.Perform macroalgae assessments and related tasks to support waterway management and public use.Assist with waterway operations, including support for dredging operations and associated beneficial reuse infrastructure.Assist with yard and building maintenance, including general upkeep and maintenance of facilities, equipment, and work site areas.Participate in staff meetings and training classes.JOB REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have the following:1.Knowledge of operating hand and power tools.2.Knowledge of operating and maintaining small equipment, including land based and marine based equipment.3.Knowledge of operating and maintaining small motor marine vessels, canoes and kayaks.4.Basic carpentry skills.5.Knowledge of performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.6.Must have the ability to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.7.Must have the ability to swim 50 yards without assistance and maintain water safety.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 shall require verification of identity, validating you are lawfully permitted to work in the United States beyond a temporary period without employment-based sponsorship.2.The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.3.Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.4.Possession of a valid Driver's License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.) 5.Applicants must read the detailed physical requirements for this position as provided during the hiring process.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.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 Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Employment Opportunities website:KCD Website 2026 Conservation Tech I - Lewes Waterways - Feb OngoingDownload Required Items:Applicants will not be considered if a Cover Letter, Personal Resume, and completed Kent Conservation District Employment Application Form are not received by the posted closing date for this position.To apply, please email all required items to:Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov Job Category:DNREC - Division of Watershed Stewardship - Shoreline and Waterway Management Section Job Type:Contractual Job Location:Lewes.