Soil and Water Conservation District - Soil & Water - Conservation Program Specialist

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

Department: Allen County Soil & Water Conservation DistrictFLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification/Level:   Part-timeDate Last Reviewed 03-18

Under the direction of the Director of the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Conservation Programs Specialist assists landowners and agricultural producers to adopt and implement agricultural and urban soil and water conservation practices and increases public awareness of local, state and federal programs.  This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works directly with agricultural producers and landowners that are enrolled in USDA programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and Conservation Reserve Program.

• Responsible for providing direct technical assistance to landowners and farmers on conservation practices and programs.

• Assists the Soil and Water Conservation District, the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation District and the partners with conducting summer field days and/or winter meetings that promote agricultural conservation best management practices as well as federal, state and local technical, financial and educational assistance programs.

• Works with agricultural retailers, local organizations, agency and company representatives as well as other key information multipliers to promote conservation systems and management practices that reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients, pathogens and pesticides reaching the assigned watersheds and their tributaries.

• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor Degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources or related field or at least two years experience in developing and implementing land use and/or natural resource management plans as well as best management practices and public relations skills

• Knowledge of agricultural practices, products and terminology especially related to soil and water conservation activities

• Valid Driver’s License to operate a County owned vehicle

• Knowledge of agricultural and urban water quality issues, trends, impairment sources and current and developing conservation practices

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking and creating brochures and pamphlets

• Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other related software

• Ability to type 30 WPM

• Working knowledge of GIS based software

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

The Conservation Programs Specialist performs work involving many variables when promoting conservation systems and management practices reducing amounts of sediment and pesticides reaching the watersheds.  Judgment is needed in selecting the most pertinent guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Conservation Programs Specialist makes decisions based on guidelines and policies. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment.  

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Conservation Programs Specialist maintains frequent contact with other federal, state and county conservation agency employees as well as landowners and farmers. In addition, the Conservation Programs Specialist will maintain a passive work relationship with business owners, other government agency personnel, federal, state and local government officials, non-government organizations and concerned citizens regarding water quality related issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Conservation Programs Specialist works in a standard office environment and out in the field. Frequent sitting, some walking and standing requiring some lifting up to 50 pounds and bending.  Frequent typing and attention to detail is required.  Walking over rough terrain and carrying equipment required at times, in all weather conditions. 

SUPERVISION:

Supervision is provided by the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District Director and in conjunction with input for the USDA, District Conservationist assigned to Allen County.

LICENSING: 

Valid Driver’s License to operate a County owned vehicle

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: 

Director of Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District

HOURS: 

8:00 am – 4:30 pm and as needed including occasional nights and weekends

EEO CATEGORY: 

0602

WORKERS’S COMP CODE: 

9410