FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
SOIL AND WATER TECHNICIAN
Posted: 3/28/2024
Closes: Open Until Filled
Salary: $45,133 - Grade 9, Step 1
General Definition of Work
Serves as a technician in the field scheduling and overseeing the installation and application of conservation practices for the Soil and Water office. Responsible for construction oversight under the provisions of a number of Federal and State agriculture programs and various grant projects.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
A person in the class is responsible for scheduling technical services required in applying various kinds of conservation practices throughout the district. Assists with the development and presentation of conservation education programs to schools, civic organizations, and the general public as requested. Work will be directed by the Soil and Water District Board, their designee.
Available guidelines include the Conservation Planning Handbook, technical guide, engineering field manual, General Manual, plan of operations, and other agency references as required to select, interpret, and apply the appropriate guideline for the particular practice being installed or problem observed. The incumbent is also expected to suggest or recommend needed changes in standards and specifications to the supervisor.
Essential Functions
Assists land users in applying and maintaining planned soil and water conservation practices by giving onsite technical assistance as needed.
Explains various cost-sharing opportunities to land users. Refers land user requests to the Soil and Water Engineer for appropriate program referral.
Contacts landowners and operators with current conservation plans, encourages them to apply practices as scheduled and provides them with technical assistance in applying planned practices, advises on proper maintenance, and makes revisions in plans or develops new plans where no major land use change is involved.
Supervises the layout and installation of planned practices following NRCS standards. Provides follow-up to ensure completed installation of adopted conservation measures.
Assists in carrying out an educational and informational program for the Soil and Water office in order to facilitate the district program; compiles and documents photographic material; assists in coordinating and conducting field days, tours, and demonstrations; and makes presentations to schools, civic clubs, and other groups as requested.
Prepares necessary records and reports on work accomplished and maintains field office records and case files as required, utilizing available office automation. Develops own work schedule.
Works with various local units of government and attends meetings as requested by the Department Head
Provides input into the design, development, and maintenance of administrative procedures to assure that delivery of programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or handicap. Review the implementation of civil rights policies to determine that they are translated into appropriate actions consistent with annual plans of operations.
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of a broad range of specialized and substantially complex soil and water conservation methods, techniques, and measures applicable to a geographical area with a variety of agricultural and nonagricultural land uses. Knowledge sufficient to install, and maintain systems that include complex combinations of conservation practices and skill in resolving difficult, related technical problems.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply various agency technical guide manuals, and procedures to assist land users in applying various conservation practices according to standards.
Knowledge and skill in computer operations including Windows/Office Products software, etc.
Knowledge of Federal and applicable State cost-sharing soil and water conservation program provisions sufficient to advise landowners on eligibility prerequisites and conditions that must be satisfied to qualify for program acceptance and consequent payments for conservation practices installed and maintained.
Knowledge of written and oral communication techniques sufficient to describe a wide variety of soil and water conservation practices to landowners, operators, contractors, and the general public.
Knowledge of agronomy and soil and water conservation measures, techniques, practices, and procedures sufficient to oversee on-site construction of practices.
Skill in examining safety and health precautionary measures to avoid injuries and accidents, prevent illness and disease, maintain physical and mental fitness, and protect government records and property.
Ability to perform regular and recurring prolonged walking over rough terrain. Work also requires bending, stretching, stooping, crossing ditches, climbing fences, wading water, lifting and carrying equipment and instruments, and performing other strenuous activities.
Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and varying temperatures which vary from extremely hot to extremely cold as well as in humid, damp, or rainy weather. Work requires regular exposure to and working around equipment, such as tractors and other farm machinery as well as exposure to insects and chemicals. Safety precautions are required.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle as an incidental element in performing official duties. Driving will be principally performed on public highways/roads during daylight hours. Types of motor vehicles operated generally are passenger cars or pickup trucks.
Ability to schedule and prioritize work.
Education and Experience
Associate’s degree in agriculture, engineering technology, forestry, or related field with at least 6 months experience in a related resource field; or high school graduate with 2 years experience in the natural resource-based field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; work regularly requires balancing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing; work requires close visual acuity to perform activities; Work includes both indoor and outdoor activity where employee is subject to extreme cold and heat, hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, and atmospheric conditions including fumes, odors, and dust.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
Camden County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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