Human Resources

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;

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to talk, walk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from High School or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education: AND EITHER:

 

A.        Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college with
            a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in environmental technology,
            agricultural sciences, natural resource management,
            or closely related field;

OR:   

B.        Graduation from an accredited two year college with
            an Associate’s Degree as defined in A above and
            two (2) years of full time paid experience in farm
            management and/or planning, natural resource protection
            or conservation construction projects.

NOTEPart time or volunteer work will be considered on a pro-rated basis.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of an appropriate valid NYS Driver’s License.

 
Competitive