AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST II

13

204 Cedar Street, Suite 200

Cambridge, Maryland  21613

This is soil and water conservation planning work, which involves a working knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices and methods related to the planning and installation of soil and water conservation projects and systems. Work is done in conjunction with the agricultural land owner or operator. This position assists the Dorchester Soil Conservation District in the preparation and implementation of soil conservation and water quality plans.

Works directly with agricultural landowners and operators to develop and implement comprehensive soil conservation and water quality plans that provide for effective erosion control and water quality improvement or water management.

Develops or secures necessary field data and associated material such as soil maps, aerial photos, and MD Property Finder to prepare plans and review project applications.

Designs or assists in designing best management practice's (BMPs) such as waterways, diversions, drainage systems, animal waste management systems and other practices intended to reduce erosion or minimize pollution.

Performs related feasibility studies, field work, engineering calculations, drafting and records duties.

May oversee construction or implementation of best management practices.

Reviews and recommends approval for agricultural landowners' and farm operators' eligibility to install  BMPs under various Maryland Department of Agriculture programs such as the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost Share programs, Nutrient Management, Manure Transport and Cover Crop Program grant programs.

May provide information about the Conservation Grants Programs to farmer groups, environmental groups, staff of local, State and federal agencies and other interested parties.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

Experience: One year of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality.

Notes:

1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils, and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education.

2. Possession of a graduate degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field may be substituted for the required education and one year of the required experience.

3. Possession of an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education.

4. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and two additional years of experience in soil and water conservation may be substituted for the required education.

5. Candidates may substitute planning, engineering or program administration experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agricultural or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

6. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.   

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing or revising existing conservation plans for farming operations.

Experience using GIS software.

1. Employees in these classifications may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in certain positions in these classifications may be required to become Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409).

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application (and on separate pages, if necessary) to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5840.

Resumes will Not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred, however paper applications will be accepted candidates who may not have internet access.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

If you are submitting additional information, such as transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).  Mailing address:  Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

TTY Users:  call via Maryland Relay.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.