Soil Conservationist
Clarksville, TN, USA
USD 25.89-25.89 / hour
This position is that of a soil conservationist responsible for performing professional and technical work for the Soil & Water Conservation District in an agricultural environment. This position provides assistance in the development, planning, contracting and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with policy and procedures in cooperation with other agencies for the purpose of soil and water conservation for residents of Montgomery County.
This position is that of a soil conservationist responsible for performing professional and technical work for the Soil & Water Conservation District in an agricultural environment. This position provides assistance in the development, planning, contracting and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with policy and procedures in cooperation with other agencies for the purpose of soil and water conservation for residents of Montgomery County.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
The position requires knowledge of a wide variety of soil conservation, agronomic, engineering, hydrologic, biology, and forestry concepts, principles, practices, and methodology in order to independently resolve natural resource problems related to the implementation of soil and water conservation plans and provide county-wide technical assistance.
Computer and Microsoft programs and spreadsheets. Knowledge in use of maps and mapping programs
GPS-survey machinery and drone technology.
Basic farm operating protocols, general farming knowledge as it relates to cropping rotations, grazing
system, and/or forest or wildlife habitat improvement.
Care and use of equipment and tools utilized in the performance of department functions.
Principles and practices of project management principles and techniques.
The operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
Human resources policies and practices.
Computer software consistent for this position.
Current office practices and procedures consistent for this position.
Skill in:
Analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures, and techniques for resolution of issues.
Managing multiple projects and prioritizing multiple tasks and demands.
Applying judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
Organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in guidelines and priority.
Researching and understanding complex written materials.
Ability to:
Effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
Research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
Develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.
Establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
Measure, evaluate and document installed practices for authenticity and compliance to program specifications.
Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
Perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
Think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
Perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
Prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
Communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
Maintain professionalism at all times.
Maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within State and Federal statutes.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is often exposed to outside weather conditions. Work is performed in both outdoor and typical indoor office setting with some exposure to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES:
This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of lifting/moving or force and occasional lift, move or drag 75 pounds or more while performing essential functions of the job.
Work regularly requires the ability to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and speak and hear.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others in English.
Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions.
Work may include outdoors in seasonal weather extremes.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and following directions.
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and is not a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may also be assigned job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1966 (Section 1981) and 1964 (Title VI, VII,) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Equal Pay Act (EPA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).
Department: Soil & Water Conservation
Pay Grade: 85, Non-Exempt
Starting hourly rate: $25.89
Minimum Experience:
Preferably one (1) year of relevant experience in agriculture, agriculture science, environmental studies, agronomy, or related field.
Minimum Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agriculture science, environmental studies, agronomy, or related field.
Certifications, Licenses:
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
A pre-employment criminal background check is required.
This position is that of a soil conservationist responsible for performing professional and technical work for the Soil & Water Conservation District in an agricultural environment. This position provides assistance in the development, planning, contracting and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with policy and procedures in cooperation with other agencies for the purpose of soil and water conservation for residents of Montgomery County.
GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.
Adheres to County Government Policy and Procedures
Acts as a role model within and outside the work environment
Performs duties as workload necessitates.
Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the various internal and external cultures that utilize department services.
Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position.
Consistently maintain and/or work toward Conservation Planning Certification Level 1.
Provide customer service for the District in a professional manner. Meet the general public in a courteous and helpful manner, serve as a liaison to other agricultural agencies for Montgomery County participants.
Maintain office correspondence, file systems, and supplies necessary for field work.
Proficient use of computer and Microsoft programs and spreadsheets. Knowledge in use of maps and mapping programs in order to provide public information on aerial and soils maps. Create various reports, spreadsheets, maps, and other publications necessary for the operation and implementation of effective conservation practices and their planning.
Continuously maintain or work toward acquiring levels of Conservation Planning Certification and
Engineering Job Approval Authority (EJAA) while on the job.
Develops work plans and strategies to meet business needs-both short term and long term; Ensures clear direction, proper implementation and conformance to legal requirements.
Provide information explaining eligibility requirements, application procedures and cost share amounts to landowners requesting financial assistance on developing conservation practices.
Assist customers as needed with understanding a variety of practice specifications, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures as they pertain to soil and water conservation and contracted practices.
Keep abreast of any changes in both federal and state policies, methods, computer systems and requirements.
Work with state and federal agencies to prepare, submit, and acquire grant funding for the department by annual deadlines.
Develop, prepare and maintain contract folders in compliance with all federal, state and county regulations. Service contracts annually.
Review engineering data, handbooks, and manuals periodically to update data files and examine applications for correct program or application data before entering into digital database systems.
Record and deliver information to supervisors, customers, and co-workers, understand procedures and policies, and follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.
Assist federal agencies in development of conservation plans, allotment of funds to Montgomery County customers, map preparations, and other office functions in a combined effort for the preservation of Montgomery County soil and water quality resources.
Assist in gathering and assembling preliminary data for all resource concerns for use in developing complete basic conservation plans.
Utilize soil erosion tools such as RUSLE and WEPS and the Pesticide Risk Assessment tool; and other technology tools as part of conservation planning processes.
Complete environmental assessments during planning stages and conduct engineering surveys and lay out of conservation practices.
Operate and manage equipment such as GPS-survey machinery and drone technology.
Oversees the implementation of conservation practices in accordance with practice specifications, plan and contract schedules.
Maintains accurate records of the condition of vehicles and equipment and other systems as necessary.
Meets productivity and quality standards.
Maintains appropriate customer relations.
Maintain accurate time and attendance reports.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represent the Department to other County departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints as they relate to agricultural resource concerns.
Provide Agriculture in the Classroom and educational resources to county school systems upon request.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:
The Soil Conservationist works under the general supervision of the SWCD Administrator and the SWCD Board of Supervisors.