Soil and Water Conservation Planner

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION PLANNER

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This position involves technical work which entails providing assistance to property owners, agricultural groups, and government agencies on soil and water conservation practices.  Work involves the responsibility of planning, survey and design of conservation projects. Incumbents of this position are expected to be self-starters that work independently in planning and permitting, as well as construction oversight and inspection.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Soil and Water Conservation District Manager.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Write Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Tier 3 conservation plans in accordance with NYSDAM and USDA-NRCS guidelines, including the collection of natural resource data and interacting with farmers;

Develop conservation farm plans for agricultural producers;

Independently administer the Agricultural Environmental Management Program;

General AEM program coordination including Tier 1 and Tier 2 reviews, Access database management, folder and files updates;

Design conservation Best Management Practices (BMP) in accordance to NYSDAM and USDA-NRCS standards;

Planning, permitting, survey, design and layout of agricultural practices, including drainage and erosion;

Collect data and prepare surveys, maps and specifications concerning potential conservation practices;

Survey, design and layout of various agricultural and non-agricultural conservation projects;

Review previously-implemented conservation practices to ensure long-term success;

Assist with district programs and grant writing;

Performs other duties as assigned.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Ability to write conservation plans by reviewing and integrating multiple sources of information, working knowledge of conservation practices, application skills, common farm management and farm planning; working knowledge of conservation, agricultural and non-agricultural BMP’s, their general design, and their goals, as well as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Standards and Specifications associated with these practices;  good knowledge of storm-water management, ability to provide education and outreach to landowners, businesses, etc.; good knowledge of drainage, erosion issues, tile drainage, and ponds; good knowledge of construction, equipment,  and construction inspection; ability to work with maps/aerial photographs, with experience with ArcMap GIS preferred; knowledge of environmental regulation and permitting; Strong oral and written communication skills;  ability to interact positively and professionally with co-workers, co-operating agencies and the public, work in a group setting with multiple agencies;  ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; ability to prioritize and work independently; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Must be able to work in a farm setting, including walking long distances in challenging terrain;