POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Soil Conservation Specialist classes include the Soil Conservation Specialist and the Senior Soil Conservation Specialist. The Soil Conservation Specialist is the entry level where employees receive close supervision in performing tasks; and as the Senior Soil Conservation Specialist the employee is expected to perform a variety of engineering tasks independently and with minimal supervision. This advertisement is for a full-time Soil Conservation Specialist.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK:
AGRICULTURAL: Work involves responsibility for performing increasingly difficult soil and water quality planning duties associated with the planning, location, design, construction, and maintenance of best management practices on agricultural properties. Work involves the application of thorough soil and water quality knowledge to ensure the County meets the agricultural sector of the Watershed Implementation Plan goals set forth by the State of Maryland. Work includes providing guidance to agricultural landowners to understand and be compliant with Federal, State and County codes relative to area of assignment. The Soil Conservation Specialist develops Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plans for agricultural landowners in the county. Employees apply soil and water conservation principles and practices and work closely with agricultural landowners, operators, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and District staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all the essential job functions of all positions in this class).
AGRICULTURAL:
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; such agricultural activities include, but are not limited to, cultivating land, raising crops, equine operations, raising livestock and agritourism enterprises.
Promote conservation programs on agricultural properties to reduce erosion and sediment loss on farming operations.
Develop Soil and Water Quality Plans (farm plan) utilizing federal software programs for landowners and operators to improve water quality through on site visits and evaluations that also meets their farming operation needs and priorities.
Inventory best management practices currently installed on agricultural properties.
Assist landowners with pursing cost share programs through Maryland Agricultural Cost Share or federal cost share programs available.
Provide Soil and Water Quality Plans to meet the Agricultural Structures Exemption and Agritourism code requirements for landowners.
Thorough knowledge of soil and water quality best management practices to assist farmers in reducing nutrient and sediment loss into the environment.
Knowledge of the application and use of the computer software for developing farm plans.
Knowledge of the definition of agricultural structures, use, and the allowable building exemption on agricultural properties.
Ability to evaluate soils using the Unified Soil Classification System as well as the AASHTO Classification System.
Ability to establish and maintain effective work relations with colleagues, developers, engineers, farmers, contractors, and the public.
Required to cooperate and work with Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits.
Contribute to District newsletters and Annual Reports by writing news articles and meeting deadlines.
MINIMUM ABILITIES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
The Soil Conservation Specialist position requires the employee to achieve the level of Certified Planner through the program set by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in agriculture sciences, natural resources, or similar field; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license; knowledge of GIS software; knowledge of farming equipment and farming practices is a plus. The bachelor’s degree may be substituted with a work history that clearly demonstrates an acceptable level of knowledge and experience to perform the job duties.
Soil Conservation District employees are not county employees but are considered county equivalent and receive some but not all the same benefits as county employees.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Medical/Health Insurance Plans
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Employee Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
- Holidays - Twelve days provided per year, thirteen in the general election year.
- Annual Leave
- Less than 3 years - 13 days
- 3 to less than 15 years - 20 days
- 15 years or more - 26 days
- Disability Leave
- Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
- Personal Leave Days
- 5 per calendar year
To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to info@aascd.org
All correspondence will be kept confidential.
No phone calls please.
Closing date is October 2, 2023