Wetlands and Waterways Permitting Program Specialist (Level III)

ENGINEERING/PLANNING/SURVEYING TECHNICIAN III

(working title of Wetlands and Waterways Permitting Program Specialist)

Location:                DNREC- Division of Water                                                     

                                89 Kings Highway                                                                         

                                Dover, DE 19901

Deadline:    Until Filled

Salary:        $43,015.65

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 Wetlands and Waterways Permitting Program Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Water – Wetlands and Waterways Section. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Wetlands and Waterways Permitting Program Specialist functions as a full-performance position responsible for independently reviewing, processing, and issuing subaqueous lands and water-related permits, including projects eligible for expedited authorization under General Permits and Statewide Activity Approvals.

This selected candidate evaluates permit applications for technical adequacy and regulatory compliance, interprets scaled plans, surveys, property deeds, and historical authorization records to determine jurisdiction and permitting requirements, and conducts on-site inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and permit conditions. The EPS III serves as a primary point of contact for applicants, consultants, and stakeholders, prepares technical documentation and inspection reports, and coordinates with enforcement staff and legal counsel as needed. In addition, the position supports staff training to subordinates, helps ensure consistent, timely permit decisions that protect subaqueous lands while supporting streamlined permitting objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

• Independently review, process, and issue routine and expedited permit authorizations under established procedures, including General Permits and Statewide Activity Approvals (SAAs) for activities affecting subaqueous lands.
• Evaluate permit applications for eligibility under expedited permitting pathways, applying independent judgment within established statutes, regulations, policies, and Division guidance.
• Interpret and analyze project plans, site sketches, surveys, scaled drawings, property deeds, easements, and historical authorization records to determine jurisdiction, permitting requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Conduct completeness reviews to verify that applications meet minimum submission, eligibility, and technical requirements for processing.
• Perform independent on-site inspections and post-construction compliance reviews to verify adherence to approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable regulations.
• Collect, document, and maintain inspection data, including photographs, field notes, sketches, and compliance observations.
• Prepare technical memoranda, inspection reports, permit documentation, and compliance records to support permitting decisions, enforcement referrals, and project closeout.
• Perform data entry, file management, and permit tracking within Division databases and electronic records management systems.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for applicants, consultants, contractors, and the public regarding subaqueous lands permitting requirements.
• Communicate with applicants and consultants to request missing information, clarify regulatory requirements, and resolve routine permitting issues.
• Coordinate with internal compliance and enforcement staff, including the Environmental Crimes Unit, on inspections, compliance matters, and follow-up actions.
• Assist with training and mentoring entry-level staff by providing guidance on permit processing, inspection procedures, and documentation standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements of the position and are not an exhaustive list of requirements.

• Applied knowledge of local, state or federal water permitting programs, including expedited permitting policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, permit conditions, and Division policies to real-world projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow and implement established workflows, screening criteria, and quality-control procedures while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Ability to manage a full permitting workload and meet established timelines and documentation standards.
• Proficiency in technical writing, recordkeeping, and use of electronic permitting and data management systems.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with regulated entities, consultants, agency staff, and the public.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• One year of experience in performing site and/or field inspections.
• One year of experience in interpreting site plans and/or technical drawings to determine compliance.
• One year of experience using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
• One year of experience in technical report writing.
• One year of experience in interpreting, communicating, and enforcing environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, or procedures.
• One year of experience using computerized mapping software applications, such as Geographic Information System (GIS) software for collecting, analyzing, and mapping data.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 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.
• The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
• Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)

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

(302) 608-5478

Employment Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Job Opportunities website: KCD Website