Job description

COUNTY OF GREENE

JOB VACANCY

POSITION: Agricultural Conservation Specialist (2 vacancies)

DEPARTMENT: Greene County Conservation District (GCCD)

LOCATION: Ben Franklin Building

22 West High Street

Suite 204

Waynesburg, PA 15370

SALARY: Management Pay Grade 6

$34,043.26/yr to $36,592.55/yr Salary Range

HOURS: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday – Friday

1 Hour Unpaid Lunch - 35 Hours per Week

BENEFITS: Full County Benefits after 90 day Probation

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE JOB:

Perform specialized environmental duties and implement and review the Districts DEP Programs and initiatives as they relate to agriculture. Administer and implement Pennsylvania’s Act 38 through the delegation agreement with the SCC/DEP. Assist with, learns and becomes familiar with the following programs: agriculture, district GRACE program, Agriculture Assistance Conservation Program (ACAP), watershed management, manure management. Carry out any other duties or responsibilities delegated by the District Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Agricultural Program Duties

Assist the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board in facilitating the Farmland Preservation Program in Greene County in accordance with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Farmland Preservation Program.

Fulfill all responsibilities to ensure the GRACE Program is carried out each year. Responsibilities include accepting applications, completing farm visits which include collecting soil samples and ensuring that each project is acceptable according to NRCS Standards, and compiling and ranking all soil data and other projects to present totals to the GCCD Board.

Offering technical assistance to farmers within the county who are seeking manure spreaders, no-till drill, and other forms of farm services and information.

Assist with investigations of complaints and violations of the ACT 38 & Chapter 91 regulations to obtain voluntary compliance and refer those operations to the State Conservation Commission or the appropriate agency when voluntary compliance cannot be obtained.

Works with NRCS on Conservation Planning.

Obtain and maintain NRCS approved Conservation Planning Certification and appropriate job approval.

Performs the duties of an Agricultural Conservation Technician meeting the ACT Employee Experience Guidelines.

Participate on local, regional and state boards and committees to help in the advancement and the betterment of the farming community and the Conservation District

ACAP Program

The ACAP Coordinator will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Greene County Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). This is an exciting, new opportunity in which the ideal candidate will have an opportunity to make a tremendous and positive impact on agriculture in Greene County. This position will involve providing technical assistance to Greene County farmers for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) as well as contracting projects, overseeing construction, and reporting on the results of the program.

ACAP RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide information to interested persons on financial assistance and technical assistance programs supporting implementation of best management practices contained in identified in; associated with nutrient management, manure management agricultural erosion and sediment control and conservation plans.

2. Advise applicants of alternative funding sources for project implementation such as tax credits, loans and grants

3. Provide administrative assistance for the ACAP Program, which when applicable may include loans available through the Agriculture Linked Investment Program (AgriLink) and tax credits available through the Resource Enhancement and Protection Tax Credit Program (REAP).

4. Coordinate an ongoing grant program including providing applications to interested applicants, reviewing applications for completeness, determining eligibility based on ranking criteria, and recommending projects for funding to the ICCD Board of Directors

5. Assist in nutrient management, manure management, Ag E&S and conservation plan implementation by providing or facilitating, as resources allow, general technical assistance to program participants with approved plans. Technical assistance may include inventory and evaluation; developing or assisting in the development of designs; cost estimates; construction monitoring; and certification of the proposed project(s).

6. Complete and provide the SCC with financial and written quarterly reports that summarize those activities performed during the report period including but not limited to education and outreach; number of grant applications received and processed, and technical assistance provided to program applicants.

7. Collect and report data pertaining to Ag E&S plans, conservation plans, manure management plans, nutrient management plans and best management practice implementation completed under approved projects using PracticeKeeper or other approved reporting system.

GRACE Program

Performs evaluation visits and final inspections

Promotes program within Greene County

Administers soil sample collection and preparation for processing by Penn State Agricultural Analytical Lab Services

Provide technical assistance to applicants for planning required for the program this includes: conservation plans, Agriculture E&S plans, Manure Management plans, etc.

Prepares updates and reports as needed for the program and as requested by the board or manager.

Maintain recordkeeping and organization of applicant files

Prepare reimbursements for approval as projects are completed

Erosion and Sedimentation Control and Inspection Duties;

Learns and understands rules and regulations of chapter 102 of the PA Clean Stream Law and PA Code Chapter 105 Stream Encroachment Permits program delegated duties as they pertain to agriculture operations.

Update and maintain all files of the plan reviews and inspections according to the District Managers specifications.

Update and maintain all files of the plan reviews and inspections according to the District Manager’s specifications and all delegated activities.

Provide information needed for quarterly reporting for the 102/105 Program.

5. Coordinates, oversee and assists with educational and instructional workshops for the PA Chapter 102/105 program for both staff and public

Watershed Management Duties:

Provide technical assistance to landowners concerning agriculture watershed priorities and concerns.

Assist with determining needs and priorities throughout the county that lead to the preparation of work plans and management plans that are beneficial to that watershed.

Assist with obtaining funding to implement priority management plans, conservation educational activities and materials, workshops etc.

Assist with data collection of local streams

Assist with implementation strategies

Farmland Preservation

Summary

The Agricultural Technician administers the programs and activities of the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board (GCFLP).

Essential Duties, Tasks and Accountabilities:

Provide support to the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board of Directors as needed to maintain maximum productivity throughout all stages of project management including but not limited to assigning title reports, working on behalf of landowners regarding mortgage subordinations and satisfactions, preparing and submitting summary reports to the Commonwealth and FRPP as appropriate.

Maintain accurate records of Agricultural Security Areas for the Farmland Preservation Board and Planning Commission.

Assist with cross training of staff and supervision of volunteers as needed.

Provide assistance to GCFLP administered program applicants along with application preparation and farm rankings and required inspections.

Coordination of GCFLP monthly meetings, execution of all board business as approved by the chairman.

Contacts and works with townships, land trusts, the Commonwealth, private-sector organizations and other vested parties to preserve farmland as efficiently and economically possible.

Assist with maintaining conservation easement database, reports, GIS projects and associated conservation easement files.

Interact with the public, present easement purchase program and distribute program information at various opportunities including township or other organizational meetings, at the office, on the telephone, and through email.

Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB:

Assure consistency, thoroughness, and expediency in reviews, in field inspections and in working with applicants.

Expand the number of farms utilizing GCCD services annually and report that information quarterly to the board.

Expand Ag security areas by working closely with municipalities and report for eligible farms.

Farms that have applied for consideration under FLP shall be coordinated with the Department of Economic Development to identify those farms under development pressures.

Handle complaints by documenting them and doing onsite inspections. Recommend all complaints that are outside the GCCD’s jurisdiction to the GCCD District Manager.

Work with consultants, planners, developers, engineers, municipal officials, landowners and other relevant individuals to discuss agricultural planning and/or problems.

Maintain all appropriate records for all grants and delegated programs including quarterly reporting and reimbursement requests

Assist with demonstration projects, field days, and tours

9. Assist other District staff with the Greene County Envirothon, training events, workshops, field days, and other educational activities

10. Provide technical support for all PA Code Title 25 Chapter 105 Stream Encroachment Permits for agricultural producers.

Maintain an up-to-date diary of daily activities to be reported at the monthly

GCCD Board Meeting, the District Manager. Process a quarterly report from the activities recorded in the diary.

12. Help prepare and mail the GCCD quarterly newsletter, composing news articles or submitting information as needed.

13. Follow tasks assigned annually by the GCCD Board of Directors as outlined in the Annual Plan of Operations of the Greene County Conservation District.

14. Assist with GCCD education activities. Assist in the coordination of watershed assessments and remediation projects as requested.

Develops and/or continually updates Procedure/Training Manual for your position to facilitate consistent quality service to residents, assists co-workers to accomplish your tasks in your absence, and creates ease of employee promotions.

Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor to ensure program quality and program requirements are maintained.

GENERAL DUTIES OF THE JOB AS REQUIRED BY THE DISTRICT AND COUNTY:

1. Understands, abides and respects appropriate chains of command and lines of communication regarding all department activities as it applies to elected officials, boards of directors, department heads, managers, supervisors, media, and the public.

2. Becomes familiar with and complies with all county and district policies.

3. Has proper telephone etiquette answering and screening phone calls. Record and convey messages to appropriate personnel or agencies.

4. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with District Directors, personnel and the general public.

5. Continues to forward the mission of the Greene County Conservation District.

6. Attends required meetings (county, regional, state or national), trainings and seminars deemed necessary.

7. Assists the department, county staff, and the public as needed.

8. Stays abreast of current and relevant topics and events applicable to the work of the department.

9. Demonstrates a working knowledge of Greene County municipalities, institutions, organizations, school districts, cooperating agencies, and civic leaders.

10. In advance of leaving the office, alerts supervisor and/or co-workers. Employee should anticipate any incomplete or time sensitive tasks that may require a response during his/her absence.

11. Safety is paramount in the workplace. Knowledge of safety regulations is essential.

12. Continually review the approved District Plan of Operations to ensure tasks are being completed annually as approved by the district board of directors.

13. Maintains confidentiality of all office affairs and records.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works independently with direct supervision from District Manager or other employee delegated supervisory capacity by the District Manager.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is considered a field position, subject to outdoor conditions which may include occasional adverse weather conditions. May need to dress appropriately for working conditions: hardhat, reflective vests etc. Compliance with all OSHA and other regulations is mandatory, including proper clothing and footgear, etc.

Works indoors in adequate work space, temperatures, ventilation and lighting.

Works with average indoor exposure to noise, stress and disruptions.

Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

Travels occasionally when needed to perform essential functions of job.

Subject to working evenings or extended hours for meetings or seminars related to the job.

Subject to walking outdoors over multi-terrain situations.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching necessary to carry out job duties.

2. Medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten (10) pounds.

3. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

4. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

5. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

6. Must be able to sit, stand, walk and drive during the course of the day for various

intervals.

7. Dexterity requirements range from simple coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.

8. Must be able to traverse multiple terrain features and situations

QUALIFICATIONS:

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Have a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: agriculture, environmental or earth sciences. Preferably have agricultural experience.

BA or BS degree in Environmental Science or another related field preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Prior experience in related field. Knowledge of agricultural practices, soil and water conservation, conservation practices and concepts.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to learn the function and operation of the Conservation District and its relationship to the county government and the State Conservation Commission.

2. Ability to learn the fundamentals and responsibilities of Delegation Agreements and Working Agreements with state and federal agencies.

3. Must possess above average communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in a clear and concise manner, using correct spelling and grammar. Demonstrates discretion in choosing appropriate mode and tone of communications. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a wide range of individuals including with public agencies and to make group presentations.

4. Records, conveys, presents, and seeks information, explains procedures, and follows instruction with precision and in a timely, congenial manner.

5. Relationships: Ability to establish and develop respectful working relationships and work effectively with private businesses, engineering firms, developers, contractors, municipalities, and private and public for-profit and non-profit organizations. Must possess ability to interact effectively with co-workers and general public and to respond accurately, and assist with routine questions/inquiries regarding department operations and procedures and/or directs inquiries to the appropriate resource. Ability to supervise and maintain effective working relations among employees and related agencies.

6. Must possess excellent organizational skills and ability to coordinate several schedules and details or projects with accuracy and efficiency. Possesses the ability to prioritize multiple assignments. Must be able to pay close attention to details, coordinate efficiently and concentrate on work. Skills in managing and supervising a moderate size staff involving multiple program areas.

7. Ability to prepare and administer multiple budgets and oversees tracking of costs related to specific budgets and programs.

8. Accountability: Must be diligent in pursuing goals and assignments in a timely and accurate manner, giving updates to supervisor as requested and as needed.

9. Demonstrates the ability to be a self-starter and to function independently with minimal supervision.

10. Demonstrates initiative, problem-solving and critical thinking.

11. Compliance with current Employee Handbook and all of its updates/amendments is mandatory.

12. Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to County and District information and records and judiciously communicate to District Manager and colleagues.

13. Knowledge of current principles and practices of resource protection and conservation. Ability to learn and apply technical information. Knowledge and appreciation of the county’s natural resources.

14. Knowledge of survey equipment. Ability to read topographic maps, soil surveys and to perform scientific math computations.

15. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.

16. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment.

17. Ability to work and travel independently, work irregular hours and meet deadlines.

18. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment with accuracy and reasonable speed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested internal candidates should send a resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Department. External candidates should complete an online application at www.co.greene.pa.us.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

The County of Greene is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,043.26 - $36,592.55 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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