Conservation Technician I - Waterway Management

The Conservation Technician I position at the State of Delaware involves maintaining and improving navigable waterways, including dredging and removing hazards. Responsibilities include supporting shoreline restoration, engaging in public outreach, and performing maintenance tasks. The role requires operating various equipment, conducting groundskeeping, and ensuring safe usage of state-managed facilities. Candidates should have knowledge of vehicle and marine vessel maintenance.
About the position

The Conservation Technician I position within the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving Delaware's navigable waterways, including its bays and canals. This position is part of the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section, which oversees a variety of waterway management activities throughout the state. These activities include dredging and marking state-maintained navigation channels, as well as removing nuisance macroalgae and navigation hazards to preserve, maintain, and enhance the recreational use of the State's waters. The technician will also assist in shoreline restoration projects, participate in storm cleanup events, engage in public outreach activities, and contribute to large marine debris removal projects. Additionally, the role involves performing basic marine watercraft maintenance tasks, which requires working on boats and around water. The essential functions of this position encompass applying conservation and preservation principles in support of managing the state's natural resources. This includes activities such as propagating, seeding, transplanting, cultivating, harvesting, and caring for trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and crops. The technician will also be involved in turf and grounds management, pest management, herbicide and fertilizer application, layout and design, and assessing soil composition and environmental conditions. Furthermore, the technician will perform maintenance and repairs across various labor and trades fields, including plumbing, carpentry, painting, welding, and construction, while assisting higher-level personnel on larger projects. Operating marine, land-based, and construction equipment and vehicles is also a key responsibility, along with maintaining and repairing a variety of equipment and vehicles. The technician will provide information to the public regarding agency initiatives and programs, ensuring the safe usage of state-owned and managed grounds and facilities. Record-keeping is essential, as the technician will complete standard forms and maintain logs detailing daily activities, tool and equipment inventory, and service records.

Responsibilities
• Assist in maintaining and improving Delaware's navigable waterways.
,
• Participate in dredging and marking navigation channels.
,
• Remove nuisance macroalgae and navigation hazards.
,
• Support shoreline restoration projects and storm cleanup events.
,
• Engage in public outreach events and large marine debris removal projects.
,
• Perform basic marine watercraft maintenance tasks.
,
• Apply conservation and preservation principles in managing natural resources.
,
• Conduct groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance tasks.
,
• Operate marine, land-based, and construction equipment and vehicles.
,
• Maintain and repair various equipment and vehicles.
,
• Provide information to the public regarding agency initiatives and programs.
,
• Ensure safe usage of state-owned and managed grounds and facilities.
,
• Complete standard forms and maintain records detailing daily activities.

Requirements
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment, and hand tools.
,
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining small motor marine vessels, canoes, and kayaks.
,
• Knowledge of performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
,
• Knowledge of land stewardship, plant life, pest or disease control, and invasive species identification and management.
,
• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefit package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.