Program Specialist II - Division of Water

Kent Conservation District; Dover; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kent Conservation District is seeking a Residential Services Permitting and Compliance Support Specialist (Level II) to review and process water-related permits with a primary focus on on-site wastewater systems.

The selected candidate will provide technical and administrative support to ensure timely permit decisions, accurate records, and consistent application of regulatory requirements, while building experience in design, installation, and operation of on-site wastewater systems.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of local, state or federal wastewater permitting programs and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, permit conditions, and division policies to real-world projects.
• Ability to follow established workflows and quality control procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple permits with timelines and documentation standards.
• Strong communication with regulated entities, consultants, agency staff and the public.

Responsibilities

• Process routine permit applications and issue or deny permits under SOPs.
• Conduct completeness reviews for eligibility and technical requirements.
• Review project plans, site sketches and surveys for permit criteria.
• Perform on-site inspections and post-construction reviews for compliance.
• Collect and document inspection data, photos and notes.
• Data entry and permit tracking in division databases and records systems.
• Communicate with applicants and licensees to request missing information or clarify requirements.
• Coordinate with management and enforcement staff on inspections and follow-up actions.

Skills

Wastewater permitting

Regulatory interpretation

Workflow compliance

Multi-permit management

Communication skills

Tools

Automated information systems

Job description

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE SUPPORT SPECIALIST (LEVEL II)

(Engineering/Planning/Surveying Technician II)

Location: DNREC- Division of Water

89 Kings Highway

Dover, DE 19901

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 Residential Services Permitting and Compliance Support Specialistwith the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Water – Residential Services Section.

This position is based on the established job class of Engineering/Planning/Surveying Technician II.

JOB SUMMARY

The Residential Services Permitting and Compliance Support Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and processing water related permits, with a primary focus on on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system permits.

The selected candidate will review basic project plans, surveys, and site information; conduct on-site inspections under guidance to verify compliance with permit conditions; document field observations; and communicate with applicants, consultants, and the public to clarify requirements and obtain missing information.This position provides technical and administrative support to ensure timely permit decisions, accurate records, and consistent application of regulatory requirements, while building experience in in the design, installation, and operation of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems all while protecting the environment and public health.This is an entry- to intermediate- level position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

• Process routine permit applications, and issue or deny permit approvals under established section standard operating procedures.
• Conduct completeness reviews to verify that applications meet minimum submission eligibility and technical requirements for processing.
• Review basic project plans, site sketches, surveys, and supporting documentation for consistency with permit criteria.
• Perform on-site inspections and post construction compliance reviews under guidance to verify adherence to approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable regulations.
• Collect and document inspection data, including photographs, field notes, and sketches.
• Perform data entry, file management, and permit tracking within numerous division and section databases and electronic records management systems.
• Communicate with applicants and various licensees to request missing information or documentation, clarify regulatory requirements, and resolve routine permitting issues.
• Coordinate with management and internal compliance and enforcement staff, including the Environmental Crimes Unit on inspections, compliance matters, and follow-up actions.

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.

• Working knowledge of local, state or federal wastewater permitting programs and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, permit conditions, and division policies to real-world projects.
• Ability to follow and implement established workflows, screening criteria, and quality control procedures while exercising sound professional judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple permits simultaneously while meeting established timelines and documentation standards.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with regulated entities, consultants, agency staff, and the public at large.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

1. Six months of experience in interpreting construction plans and details, schematic or technical drawings to determine compliance.
2. Six months of experience using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
3. Six months of experience in performing field inspections in wastewater or related fields.
4. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

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.)

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service at [phone] for assistance.Call [phone] if you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support.

The Kent Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and

values a diverse workforce.