Description
This position is not eligible for benefits.
This position is part-time, nonexempt, unclassified and not covered (at-will) as defined by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.
Hours vary; up to 30/week
Under the direction of the Director of the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Conservation Programs Specialist assists landowners and agricultural producers to adopt and implement agricultural and urban soil and water conservation practices and increases public awareness of local, state and federal programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Works directly with agricultural producers and landowners that are enrolled in USDA programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and Conservation Reserve Program.
- Responsible for providing direct technical assistance to landowners and farmers on conservation practices and programs.
- Assists the Soil and Water Conservation District, the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation District and the partners with conducting summer field days and/or winter meetings that promote agricultural conservation best management practices as well as federal, state and local technical, financial and educational assistance programs.
- Works with agricultural retailers, local organizations, agency and company representatives as well as other key information multipliers to promote conservation systems and management practices that reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients, pathogens and pesticides reaching the assigned watersheds and their tributaries.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements and Working Conditions
REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Diploma or GED with at least two years experience in developing and implementing land use and/or natural resource management plans as well as best management practices and public relations skills
- Valid Driver’s License to operate a County owned vehicle
- Knowledge of agricultural and urban water quality issues, trends, impairment sources and current and developing conservation practices
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking and creating brochures and pamphlets
- Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other related software
- Ability to type 30 WPM
- Working knowledge of GIS based software
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Conservation Programs Specialist works in a standard office environment and out in the field. Frequent sitting, some walking and standing requiring some lifting up to 50 pounds and bending. Frequent typing and attention to detail is required. Walking over rough terrain and carrying equipment required at times, in all weather conditions.