Conservation District Technician

Statement of Duties:

The selected employee will work with District staff on a variety of technical duties.  The employee will have responsibilities of assisting with surveys and designs for soil and water conservation practices within the County.  The work includes, but not limited to, the design of systems pertaining to land use, soil analysis, water management and sediment and erosion control, and culvert crossings.  Field work is a requirement of the position. 

Preference given to candidates that have experience in designing agricultural Best Management practices, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and natural resource conservation, but not required.

Starting Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $45,000 – $50,000 based on experience.

Benefits include Health Insurance, Vision and Dental Insurance, New York State Retirement System, PFML Benefits, Vacation and Sick Leave

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, with an Associate’s Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Technology, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Engineering, or a related field;

or

• Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and at least two (2) years of experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture, construction, environmental management, wildlife management, engineering, or a related field.

Special Requirements:   Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license and maintained throughout appointment.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This position is located at the Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District.  The incumbent performs a variety of technical duties related to the establishment of conservation practices concerning land and water on public and private properties.  The incumbent will assist other district staff in carrying out various coordinated programs of soil and water conservation.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  but not limited to:

• Collects data for the purpose of practice design and cost estimation;
• Educates producers and landowners regarding sound conservation plans;
• Coordinates farm visits;
• Performs on site evaluations and environmental reviews for producers and landowners;
• Assists with offering information to landowners on maintaining proper conservation practices;
• Assists landowners with the application of conservation practices to prevent upland erosion, designing, performing cost estimates and field estimates and field layout of practices;
• Assists producers to complete tiered assessment worksheets;
• Develops and/or reviews farm conservation plans utilizing nutrient management, using other relevant software and/or planning tools;
• Assists with prioritization analysis of individual farm for funding implementation;
• Investigates funding opportunities and develops grant proposals for continuing various environmental programs;
• Assists with the implementation of other district programs including, but not limited to, the Tree and
• Shrub Program, Fish Stocking Program, Agricultural value assessments, Agricultural Environmental Management Program;
• Manages and utilizes the Geographic Information System (GIS) database and other computer Systems;
• Attend meetings of various rural and urban groups on behalf of the District.

FULL PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Working knowledge of the principles, materials and procedures used in the implementation of best management practices with the emphasis on soil and water conservation, construction and maintenance of drainage systems, ponds, forests and other conservation practices;  good math skills, working knowledge of basic farm management; ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs, collect data in the field utilizing GPS and GIS; knowledge of nutrient management including soil sampling, ability to get along well with others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; accuracy, reliability.  Willingness to learn.