Job Title: Agricultural Resource Conservationist

Department: Conservation District

Position Reports to: District Manager – Conservation District

Position Code: 4611-23

Grade Level: K

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Bargaining Unit Status: Non-Bargaining

Date: October 27, 2022

Summary:

This position is the primary focal point for two conservation initiatives: Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Program and Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management (Act 38) program. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pledged to annually inspect 10 percent of Pennsylvania’s farms to ensure they comply with erosion and sedimentation control as well as manure management regulations. Additionally, all animal operations in Pennsylvania that generate or land apply manure, regardless of scale, are required to have one of two types of plans: Chapter 91 Manure Management Plan or Act 38 Nutrient Management Plan. These plans document nutrient sources, whether through generation, storage, treatment, transfer, or land application, and aim to keep them separate from clean water resources to protect local and regional water quality. Conservation District agricultural staff administer those programs at the County level.

As part of their duties, Conservation District agricultural staff carry out farm inspections and provide both technical and financial assistance for farmers as they develop erosion and sedimentation and manure management plans and implement best management practices that keep soil and nutrients on the farm. These efforts not only maintain the productivity of the farm but also protect drinking water and recreational activities such as fishing by keeping these pollutants out of our streams.

The purpose of this position is to administer conservation programs such as Chapter 83 Nutrient Management Regulations, Chapter 91 Manure Management Rules, Chapter 102 Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plans and federal Conservation Planning requirements. This is accomplished through writing and reviewing plans, providing technical assistance on best management practice design and installation, and offering instructional/education training programs to various audiences. The goal is to improve soil health, water quality, and reduce non-point source pollution to local waters and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Administers the Chesapeake Bay Farm Program which includes: conducting state required farm visits or inspections; reviewing and providing plan development assistance for Agriculture Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (Chapter 102), and Manure Management Plans (Chapter 91); recommending agricultural best management practices; conducting plan reviews, field visits, and complaint investigations; coordinating compliance actions; tracking program participant information; and submitting quarterly and monthly activity reports.
• Administers the State Nutrient Management Program (Act 38) including, plan reviews, field visits, complaint investigations, coordination of compliance actions, public education, tracking program participant information, and submitting quarterly and monthly activity reports.
• Performs routine soil testing to include: soil sampling (using test kits), soil compaction testing, water infiltration rate and pH testing. Also promotes the use of cover cropping and no-till technology as a means to improve soil health.
• Administers the Conservation District’s no-till drill rental program which includes the scheduling and delivery (towing) of no-till drills to Clinton County farms, assisting farmers in drill use basics, and performing basic no-till drill maintenance and repairs.
• Provides various forms of educational outreach, including, site visits, newsletters, and workshops to promote agricultural compliance with federal, state and local laws.
• Writes grants to obtain grant funding for agricultural landowners and operators to correct their natural resource problems. Provide information on financial resources (grants, loans, and cost-share) available to assist agricultural producers and landowners in the installation of practices.
• During active grant projects - prepares schedules and estimates costs for agricultural construction projects; coordinates bidding procedures; surveys future construction sites; inspects projects as construction occurs as assigned in the Quality Assurance Plan; logs construction activities; photographs and records job sites; details segments of construction; verifies installation as-builts.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of County Watershed Implementation Plan and County Action Plan to minimize sediment and nutrient pollution.
• Provides natural resource technical assistance pertaining to District agriculture programs and services.
• Assists District staff with cover crop and soil health demonstration plots located on the District’s property. These plots are used to demonstrate soil health and conservation by mimicking real farm practices. The plots help to educate farmers, the public and agricultural staff at the District.
• Assists with the promotion of soil health and sustainable farming principles as they relate to water and soil conservation. Collaborates with a variety of resource agencies including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Stroud Water Research Center, Watershed Associations, local famers, and others to share ideas and increase adoption of these conservation principles within the County.

General Duties

• Prepares compliance inspection reports for all farms and enters farm inspection findings into the on-line Practice Keeper database.
• Is responsible for developing and maintaining spreadsheets or data logs of activities and tracking an array of data used to show the Conservation District is meeting State and Federal requirements.
• Interprets and utilizes topographic maps, aerial photography, engineering drawings, plans and calculations, soils maps, GIS layers, and technical reference materials.
• Prepares a variety of reports, documents and correspondence (including monthly Board reports of activities and state quarterly report of delegated activities; develops, completes, and files review letters to landowners, engineers, or consultants; prepares inspection reports and maintains active project files.
• Periodically assists Chapter 102 / 105 program staff by inspecting earthmoving activities, construction sites and various types of water obstruction and encroachments including (but not limited to): streambank stabilization, minor and temporary road crossings, utility crossings, low water crossings, etc.
• Promotes natural resource conservation and stewardship in the community through assisting with the development of conservation-oriented public workshops and by providing public and stakeholder educational opportunities both in-person and through the District’s website.
• Develops, as time permits, special initiatives and programs aimed at furthering conservation within the County.

Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Functions:

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Resource Management, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Food Science or a related field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Must possess a valid PA driver’s license with no restrictions.

As a condition of continuing employment the individual must obtain a Public Dual Nutrient Management Act (NMA) Certification within one year of employment. Employer will cover cost.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Identify problems, inform others, and provide information to assist with solving the problem.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of document’s including letters, manure and soil analyses, engineering drawings, administrative policy, procedure manuals, conservation plans, topological and other maps, etc.
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Ability to complete and maintain documentation/records.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency operating computers and various software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Internet/e-mail, as well as map creation software and topographic programs (e.g. Arc View GIS).
• Ability to prepare a variety of documents including Chesapeake Bay inspection reports, technical reports, letters, memos, press releases and other written communications.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the office team.
• Ability to interpret and follow animal bio-security protocols set by both the State and Livestock operators.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, government officials and the general public both verbally and in writing.
• Requires the ability to persuade, convince, influence, train and monitor, in favor of a desired outcome. Requires the ability to act as a lead person.
• Effective negotiation skills.

Mathematical Ability:

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; may require the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to traverse difficult terrain, including woods, fields, pastures and water.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of seasons and weather conditions.
• Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling moderately heavy objects and materials, twenty to fifty pounds.
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, talk and listen for extended periods of time - often greater than an hour.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment will range from moderate to loud.
• Employee will occasionally be exposed to rain, sleet or snow as well as temperatures about 90 F.
• There will be exposure to livestock and manure.
• There will be exposure to blowing dust from construction sites.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Willing to travel to include occasional overnight functions.
• This position is approximately 60% office and 40% field time.

Employee Expectations:

In completing the duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Resource Conservationist, the employee will adhere to all county policies, guidelines, practices and procedures, act as a role model both inside and outside the County. Perform duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and be conscientious about meeting department productivity standards; and communicate regularly with the Manager and Deputy Manager of the Conservation District.

At-Will-Employment:

The Agricultural Resource Conservationist is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioners of Clinton County. Clinton County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, color, national original, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resource Administrator to the extent that it does not constitute an undue hardship to the County.

I have read the job description for the Agricultural Resource Conservationist, and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I hereby accept the position and agree to abide by the requirements and duties set forth. I will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Signature of Employee Date

____________________________ ______________________________

Signature of Supervisor Date

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $39,809.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Mill Hall, PA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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