Planner II (Private Lands Biologist)

Position Available

Nonpoint Source Program

Division of Watershed Stewardship

Delaware Department of Natural Resources

and Environmental Control

100 West Water Street, Suite 6B, Dover, DE

Phone (302) 739-9922

 

JOB TITLE: Planner II

LOCATION: Nonpoint Source Program, State Street Commons, Dover, DE 19904

SALARY:  $39,093/yr + Benefits

START DATE: as soon as possible

WORK SCHEDULE:  37.5 hours/week M-F

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in cooperation with the Kent Conservation District, seeks an Environmental Scientist II for the Nonpoint Source Program, housed within the Division of Watershed Stewardship.

This position will be primarily responsible for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program for the DNREC including providing one-on-one assistance to private landowners (residential and agricultural) to help them identify the appropriate best management practices (BMPs) for their land; understand and secure resources from existing BMP cost-share programs, and develop BMP maintenance plans. CREP is a State-Federal partnership between DNREC and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that provides financial, technical and education assistance to landowners willing to voluntarily implement conservation measures on marginal agricultural land.

This position will be an integral part of a team that works with water quality and watershed science, modeling, and public policy. The ability to develop relationships with the farming community at all levels (local farmer, agribusiness personnel, government agency staff, extension services staff) is critical; therefore, the incumbent should have strong communication skills and previous experience working with private landowners.

The incumbent will be an employee of the Kent Conservation District assigned to the Nonpoint Source Program, Division of Watershed Stewardship and will be housed by Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). This is a grant-funded, full-time, limited-term position that may be extended depending on performance and available funding.

Job duties:

  • Provide one-on-one assistance to private landowners (residential and agricultural) to help identify and implement appropriate BMPs for their land.
  • Coordinate the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program for the DNREC.
  • Coordinate and facilitate meetings and interact with a variety of stakeholders, including those from partner agencies like Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service the Farm Service Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and sectors of the public.
  • Understand and secure resources from existing BMP cost share programs and technical service providers.
  • Cooperate with partner agencies and groups to provide data and information for decision making.
  • Update spatial databases; develop maps and figures.
  • Compile, assess, and manage best management practice (BMP) implementation data and assist with improving data tracking and reporting systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION: Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

  • Six months experience working with private landowners to implement best management practices or conservation practices.

Requirements: Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, agriculture, natural resources management or related field.
  • Knowledge of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
  • Experience in forest management including dendrology, stand establishment, and forest mensuration, and forest management plans.
  • Knowledge of common BMPs for water quality.
  • Experience coordinating multiple projects with multiple organizations.
  • Ability to work independently in the field.
  • Valid driver’s license.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & DEADLINE:

You will not be considered for this job unless a cover letter is attached expressing your interest, how you meet the job requirements including the preferred qualification, and a copy of your resume to Patricia.Risher@delaware.gov by midnight Friday, April 5, 2019. Interviews are required and will be scheduled following the application deadline.

The Kent Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer