FULL-TIME DISTRICT TECHNICIAN - deadline to apply February 1

The Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking applications for the position of District Technician.
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Providing education, technical assistance, and field assistance to landowners/operators and units of government, primarily in agricultural and urban drainage and flooding issues.
Applicants should have Minimum of 2 year degree and/or experience in natural resources conservation practices and current agricultural production practices (including rowcrops, livestock, hay production, grazing management, nutrient management).
Candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Office and preferably have experience using ArcGIS software. Salary range from $22,880 - $29,120 (plus benefits) commensurate on degree and / or experience.

RESUME AND COVER LETTER MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4:00 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District
9711 East Pike, Cambridge, OH 43725
Telephone: 740-432-5624 Fax: 740-432-2833
lrodenfels@guernseycounty.org


Vacancy Announcement - District Technician
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical assistance to and education of individual landowners in the successful development and installation of conservation practices relating to the District’s mission and goals in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources.

• Responsible for assisting in planning tour, field days, technical workshops, and public viewing of demonstrations including equipment, plots, practices, etc.

• Provide assistance to landowners to comply with the provision of Ohio’s Agricultural Pollution Abatement Law.

• Provide leadership and guidance to landowners who wish to learn or fine tune their grazing strategies.

• Provide support and assistance to landowners with soils suitability assessments, flooding and drainage complaints, and stream protection.

• Lead backyard conservation program with a focus on rain gardens and other storm water infiltration practices. Update and develop outreach programs pertaining to backyard conservation topics.

• Promote the Envirothon Contest and solicit contest participants in county schools. Coordinate training events with area schools.

• Represent the District at meetings of local, state and federal agencies and organizations as directed.

• Attend monthly board meetings and/or other meetings as designated by the DPA and/or Board of Supervisors.

• Keep abreast of all federal, state, and local laws that affect the conservation work within the district.

• Prepare and maintain all records, reports, and forms as required. This includes the computerized payroll and data collection system, currently known as SWIMS.

• Coordinate the technical work with the other district staff and technical requests with the NRCS District Conservationist and the DPA.

• Must comply with all of the district’s policies (i.e. Employment Policy, this position description)

• Must demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the DPA and/or board of supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 year degree and/or experience in natural resources conservation practices and current agricultural production practices (including rowcrops, livestock, hay production, grazing management, nutrient management).

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form; exercise sound judgment; use time and organizational skills wisely; be groomed and dressed appropriately as to reflect well on the Guernsey SWCD; cooperate with co-workers; receive and implement instructions from DPA and board of supervisors; communicate and work well with landowners without discrimination. Success in this position will depend greatly on the ability to develop a working relationship with landowners in order to implement conservation practices. This will require outreach, planning, and follow-up over the long term.

• Ability to operate field equipment (survey equipment, water quality monitoring equipment, GPS data collector, digital camera, etc.) with guidance and training.

• Familiarity with popular computer software (including, but not limited to, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and willingness to learn new applications. Some proficiency in ArcView, GIS, ERIN preferred, or an ability to learn these programs quickly.

• Must be insurable for government vehicle operation and have a valid Ohio driver’s license.

• Ability to pass a background check in order to use county and federal computer system.

• Be a certified conservation planner, or work to become within 18 months of employment.

• Be certified or work to become in TDP Level 1 and 2 within 24 months of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasionally performs duties during inclement weather.

• Required to lift and carry necessary equipment; walk over uneven, steep ground; cross fences.

• Required to transport district rental equipment using district vehicles.

• Required to work in close proximity to construction equipment while in operation.

• Required to attend evening and weekend meetings on occasion within and outside the county.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

A formal performance review will be conducted annually by the DPA. During this review, salary advancement and items concerning the employee’s professional growth and employment are discussed. At this time, a set of goals for the coming year which meet with the goals of the district will be discussed and agreed upon.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications and available funding. Salary range will be from $22,880 - $29,120. Employee will be under the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and will be eligible for vacation, sick leave, and the County health insurance benefits.

Application Deadline:

Anyone interested in the position should contact the Guernsey SWCD  and submit a resume (with at least three references) along with a cover letter to the SWCD’s address listed at the top of this job description by February 1, 2013.