State of Maryland

A Conservation Associate V is the supervisory, highly technical level of subprofessional work in the field of natural resources.  Employees in this classification have Statewide or regional responsibility for natural resource projects of moderate scope and complexity.  Employees in this classification may serve as project supervisors or as technical staff specialists in a particular specialty of a unit within the Department of Natural Resources.  As technical staff specialists, employees are required to provide expert knowledge in the assigned specialty area.  As project supervisors, employees are responsible for planning, preparing and supervising the work of lower- level subprofessional personnel, preparing detailed reports, as well as providing expert assistance to Scientists or Engineers and successful completion of projects may require deviation somewhat from established work practices or development of new methods and procedures.  The work of the classification may involve the uses and maintenance of field instruments and equipment.  Employees are expected to learn and perform the more routine aspects of work normally performed by a professional, as well as subprofessional duties.  Employees in this classification are responsible for the direct supervision of assigned subordinate personnel.

Employees in this classification receive general direction from a Scientist or Engineer.  Most assignments are written and are reviewed upon completion for compliance with departmental policy.  Much of the work is performed outdoors under varied climatic conditions, and may require long and irregular hours.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Organizes and independently takes charge of biological, physical, chemical, or related field survey work involving the study of populations of aquatic animals or plants, or investigations of water pollution problem areas, industries, sewage treatment plants, and municipalities;

Assists Scientists in planning large scale or specialized surveys, investigations or research projects;

Supervises lower-level Conservation Associates and contractors engaged in shell planting, seed oyster planting, seed oyster harvesting and freighting activity in a specified region;

Prepares necessary information for water pollution cases;

Responsible for the culture and distribution of finfish, shellfish, or other animals from a statewide hatching facility;

Supervises drill rig teams or survey parties for the purpose of evaluating subsurface conditions or floodplain delineation studies;

Screens survey data for accuracy and completeness for submission to the responsible scientist or engineer;

Supervises and provides instruction in the use of all equipment used in field or research activities;

May serve as an Assistant Regional Supervisor of water resources pollution control program involving supervision of lower-level Conservation Associates in the control of pollution from both land and water;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of expert natural resources conservation principles and practices, methods and procedures;

Knowledge of the geography of the State;

Knowledge of elementary practices of safe handling of small row or motor boats;

Knowledge of fundamental methods of measurement of distance, volume, weight, and speed;

Knowledge of basic care of field equipment;

Knowledge of the principles of surveying and mapping;

Knowledge of census and survey techniques as applied to fish;

Knowledge of the State pollution and fish laws;

Ability to organize field inspector work, analyze inspection problems and develop effective work practices;

Ability to work harmoniously with Conservation Associates, contractors and the general public;

Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications;

Ability to make routine calculations and tabulate data clearly and concisely;

Ability to prepare routine reports; Ability to carry out special investigations and projects;

Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather;

Ability to communicate;

Ability to supervise other employees as necessary.

Education:   An Associate of Arts degree or sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least eighteen credit hours in physical or biological science, engineering, or natural resources related course work.

Experience: Two years as a Conservation Associate IV in State Service.

                                                                                      OR

Five years of full-time subprofessional technical experience in the natural resource fields or engineering.

                                                                                      OR

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Seven years of full-time subprofessional technical experience in the natural resources fields or engineering.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute completion of a State of Maryland sponsored Water Sewer Operators training course for one year of the required experience.

2. Applicants may substitute thirty credit hours, including nine hours in physical or biological science, engineering or natural resources related course work for one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources Management classifications or Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources Management specialty codes in the Engineering or Natural Resources field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.  

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties may be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Some positions in this classification may be require employees to possess a valid Class A Maryland driver’s license prior to appointment.

1. Candidates must be willing to travel and be available for work in any part of the State, subject to required changes of work assignments.

2. Employees in this classification may be required to reside in the assigned region, county, or area.

3. Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the individual to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B, Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.