Conservation Technician I

The Conservation Technician I position at the State of Delaware involves applying conservation practices for managing state forestland, specifically at Blackbird State Forest. Responsibilities include maintenance and repairs in plumbing, carpentry, and construction, operating equipment, and providing public information. Applicants need knowledge of equipment operation and a valid driver's license. This role requires physical capability assessments and drug testing.
Summary Statement

This position will be responsible for applying conservation maintenance practices in support of the management of state forestland, primarily at Blackbird State Forest. Duties may include, but are not limited to, performing maintenance and repairs involving plumbing, carpentry, painting welding, construction, grounds maintenance, equipment, and vehicles. Incumbent must be able to operate construction equipment and vehicles and will be trained to assist with prescribes fires and wild fires.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
• Applies conservation and preservation principles and practices in support of the management of the state's natural resources which includes such activities as propagating, seeding, transplanting, cultivating, harvesting and care of trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns and crops to include turf/grounds management, pest management, herbicide/fertilizer application, layout and design, assessment of soil composition and environmental conditions.
• Performs maintenance and repairs in a variety of labor/trades fields such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, welding, construction, grounds maintenance and assists higher level personnel on large scale projects.
• Operates marine, land-based and construction equipment and vehicles.
• Maintains and repairs a variety of equipment/vehicles.
• Provides information to the public as requested or responds to inquiries regarding agency initiatives/programs.
• Ensures the safe usage of state owned, managed, and/or maintained grounds and facilities by the public.
• Completes standard forms/applications; maintains records and reports detailing daily activity, tool and equipment inventory, fuel and service logs and related activities.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Conservation Technician I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Department of Agriculture:
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining light and heavy farming, construction equipment and hand power tools.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Functional Capability Evaluation: Upon a conditional offer, you must take a Functional Capability Evaluation to assess your strength and agility to meet the physical requirements of the position.

All applicants must read the detailed physical requirements for this position which is located at https://statejobs.delaware.gov/explore/fce.shtml and the file is named Conservation Tech I-V - Agriculture - Division of Forest Service.

As a condition of hire the applicant must agree to successfully complete the specified classes administered by the National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) such as S- 130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, ICS- 100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-700 Introduction to NIMS, and L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline and pass the Work Capacity (PACK) Test as required by the Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service within one year of accepting employment.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.