Full job description
Vacancy Announcement
Title: Conservation Specialist 1
Salary Range: $33,750.00-$41,250.00
Locations: Greenbrier Valley Conservation District
179 Northridge Drive
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Announcement closes: March 11, 2024
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Nature of Work:
The Conservation Specialist 1 (CS1), working within the Conservation Services (CS) Division, provides technical assistance, planning assistance and program information related to agricultural best management practices (BMPs), stream restoration techniques and non-point source (NPS) water quality issues to individual landowners, farmers, and conservation districts. The CS1 is responsible for implementation and coordination of conservation programs that may include the
West Virginia Agricultural Enhancement Program (AgEP), Environmental Protection Agency Non-
Point Source 319 Program (319), Chesapeake Bay Program (C Bay) and educational programs.
There is considerable interaction with the general public, and local, state, and federal agencies. The
CS1 performs related work as required and other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
This position is a combination of office work and fieldwork that may include but is not limited to; traversing rough terrain, exposure to inclement weather, aerial flights, contact with livestock, operation of small watercraft, and use of bio-security measures. Some travel with overnight stays may be required.
Responsibilities:
- Provides technical evaluation and follow-up assistance to landowners.
- Provides technical assistance to conservation districts.
- Provides program assistance to district cooperators.
- Provides conservation and nutrient management planning and application assistance.
- Develops and evaluates conservation plans.
- Implements WVCA conservation programs.
- Plans, designs, and implements conservation practices.
- Responsible for record keeping, soil sampling and evaluation, forage testing, manure/litter sample collection and submittal for analysis, water sampling and other data gathering and evaluation procedures.
- Manages projects and budgets associated with conservation programs within assigned conservation district(s).
- Writes progress reports.
- Attends conservation district board meetings.
- Maintains producer/landowner confidentiality.
- Collects, prepares, and distributes information.
- Complies with federal, state, and local laws, standards, specifications, and requirements.
- Works closely with watershed associations.
- Conducts watershed assessments to evaluate suitability for future project implementation.
- Assists in the development and implementation of watershed-based plans and grant proposals for funding through the 319 and C Bay programs.
- Works with county commissions, municipalities, public service districts, and other government entities to provide technical assistance and project development.
- Participates in Farm Bill Program (i.e.CREP) assessments with partnering agencies
- Conducts compliance checks for WVCA CS programs.
- Conducts field investigations and provides written reports in response to landowner watershed concerns and complaints.
- Assists with other WVCA programs as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to develop conservation programs as a team member and/or individually.
- Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team working on joint and separate projects that protect or improve water quality.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, co-workers, and the general public.
- Knowledge of water quality monitoring and sampling procedures.
- Knowledge of the Clean Water Act.
- Knowledge of state water quality standards, 303(d) list, TMDLs, and watershed-based plans.
- Knowledge of CBay restoration efforts.
- Knowledge of storm water management practices, sediment and erosion control practices, and natural stream restoration techniques.
- Knowledge of water quality and the relationship of land treatment practices to improve or protect water quality.
- Knowledge of water quality monitoring protocols.
- Knowledge of basic GIS/GPS systems.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite computer programs.
- Knowledge of basic principles and practices of conservation planning and nutrient management.
- Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment.
- Ability to assimilate data and develop detailed reports related to work performed.
- Ability to provide technical leadership and assistance in planning and implementation of best management practices.
- Ability to traverse rough terrain while carrying field/monitoring equipment.
- Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill programs.
- Knowledge of state, federal and local environmental/natural resource laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of soil fertility, animal nutrition, grassland management, plant nutrients, pesticide management, and soil and water conservation practices.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.
Experience: None
Education Substitution: Associate degree from an accredited college or university in related field such as agricultural, biology, or environmental science and three (3) years of full-time paid employment in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.
Or
High school diploma and five (5) years of experience in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science. The Education Substitution years of experience must be in addition to the required Experience.
Experience Substitution: None
Additional Requirements:
- Dependable transportation and valid driver’s license.
- Physical ability to lift and maneuver 40 lbs.
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
- Pre-employment law enforcement background investigation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33,750.00 – $41,250.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Experience:
- Agriculture: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
