Conservation Specialist – AWV-030

About NEW Solutions

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

Benefits

Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period.

Additional Information

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an “at-will” relationship. This means an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

Note: An “ACES Enrollee” is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An “ACES Enrollee” is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Job Title: Conservation Specialist

Job ID: AWV-030

Location: Elkins, WV

Program: ACES

Wage: $27.00/hr.

Hours per Week: 16

Minimum Age Requirement: 55

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in Specialized field related to duties and/or BA/BS Degree in Wildlife; Natural Resource Management.
• Valid State Driver’s license.
• Applicants MUST be a minimum age of 55 in order to be considered for this role.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

Duties

Position is part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on whole-farm conservation planning, assists NRCS field offices in the Tygart Valley Conservation District with technical functions of organizing and implementing natural resource conservation programs in West Virginia.

• Will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on whole-farm conservation planning, assists NRCS field offices in the Tygarts Valley Conservation District with technical functions of organizing and implementing natural resource conservation programs in West Virginia. Will also plan, design, and inspect conservation practices with a focus on wildlife and stream resources. Typical practices include the following: Riparian Forest Buffer (391), Riparian Herbaceous Buffer (390), Brush Management (314), Herbaceous Weed treatment (315), Streambank & Shoreline Protection (580), Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490), Tree/Shrub Establishment (612), Early Successional Habitat Development/Management (647). Listing not all-inclusive.   30%
• Meet with land users to identify problems and opportunities and determine objectives. Inventory and analyze resource data to complete assessments and formulate and evaluate alternatives to address resource concerns and opportunities.   30%
• Serve as a subject matter expert alongside NRCS State Biologist and NRCS State Resource Conservationist regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations related to T&E and Species of Concern for NRCS supported projects, as needed. This position in Elkins, WV is home to USFWS, and coordination of efforts related to the Endangered Species Act may be necessary.   20%
• Prepare site-specific implementation requirements for the customer’s preferred alternative. Work with local NRCS staff to ensure information is translated into a Conservation Plan as a Record of Decision following appropriate planning policy.   10%
• Inspects completed practices to determine if NRCS standards and specifications are met. Will document findings using NRCS-CPA-06 Conservation Assistance Notes, implementation requirements sheets, photographs, etc., and provides documentation to supervisor for certification. Provides technical assistance on proper operation and maintenance to customers.   10%

Other

• Annual information system security, anti-harassment, and civil rights training.
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel as needed for training or to perform duties.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Field work with potential exposure to adverse weather and/or other conditions.
• Required Safety Gear: Boots and occasionally hard-hat when working around heavy equipment.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions’ policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.