Soil Conservation Specialist

Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District
Job description: Soil Conservation Specialist

This position is a full-time, 30-40-hour/week position and is directly responsible to the program director. The Soil Conservation Specialist provides agronomic, and technical assistance to landowners as well as provides leadership and technical assistance in the Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District while working closely with other district staff to accomplish program goals and objectives.

Essential Functions:

The Soil Conservation Specialist professionally works toward the following objectives:

Enhance agricultural productivity and soil health in Ashland County: 60%

• Offer technical assistance, outreach, and exceptional education for farmers who are not participating in cost-share programs.
• Lead district efforts to increase the use of cover crops, including cost-share programs and coordination of county-wide aerial seeding including financial stewardship and cost-share distribution.
• Guide farmers in the development of grazing plans to improve sustainability and profitability, including support for both NRCS and H2Ohio cost-share opportunities and assist with district soil testing program as needed
• Assist farmers in developing nutrient management plans and grazing plans to improve sustainability and profitability, including support for both NRCS and H2Ohio nutrient management planning programs and cost-share opportunities.
• Complete professional development trainings to develop and maintain technical expertise and certification to implement on-the-ground conservation programming.
• Increase utilization of equipment rental program to implement on-farm conservation practices including finacial transactions.
• Complete reviews on conservation practices to ensure they are still functioning as intended.

Address water quality impairments while protecting and preserving high-quality water resources: 5%

• Assist in providing information for and completing grant applications to achieve organization & programming goals.
• Support watershed planning activities as needed, including working with landowners to identify priority conservation practices to improve water quality

Ensure sustainable stormwater management practices and programs: 10%

• Encourage forest management, including supporting the district’s annual tree sale including tree sale pick up, packing, and distribution.
• Assist as needed in providing leadership to and enforcement of floodplain regulations and enhance riparian corridors by reducing stream bank erosion and flood risk including log jam removal
• Assist as needed to other local, state and national partner agencies and committees.
• Support stormwater education and adoption of best management practices.

Encourage implementation of best management practices for manure: 5%

• Support outreach and education for best management practices to minimize pollution risk.
• Encourage conservation programming and outreach to Amish and Mennonite communities.
• Work with farmers to keep livestock and manure out of waterways.

Respond efficiently to emergent ag pollution complaints: 5%

• Provide rapid, professional response and expertise when alerted to a pollution issue and assist with educational outreach as needed..

Provide administrative support to assist in achieving conservation goals: 10%

• Maintain knowledge of current conservation topics, events, and activities.
• Maintain exceptional staff performance and communication through staff meetings, accurate timekeeping, and other administrative support as needed.
• Assist in conducting efficient & effective board meetings for Ashland SWCD by providing timely reports and other requested information for monthly meetings.
• Support responsible stewardship of public funds entrusted to Ashland SWCD.
• Provide support for Ashland County Planning Commission through efficient enforcement and administration of county subdivision regulations.

Deliver exceptional educational outreach on conservation issues: 5%

• Partner with other staff, agencies and agricultural organizations to provide hands-on education events to educate Ashland County residents about conservation practices and programs.
• Serve as an agricultural and conservation leader and advocate In our community through regular newspaper columns and other outreach activities.
• Assist as needed with Ashland SWCD volunteer program, Hazel Willis Woods land laboratory and fish stocking sales
• Assist in conducting an impactful and effective annual meeting and election in compliance with all state regulations.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Ohio driver’s license, including ability to safely drive during daylight and after dark. Employee must be insurable under the district’s existing insurance policy.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in agriculture and/or natural resources or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrate regular, predictable attendance.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn additional programming as required.
• The work requires the employee to walk on rough or steep terrain, often in dust, rain, snow, and icy conditions.
• Be able to lift and transport display and presentation materials.
• Willingness to perform a combination of technical office and outdoor field work.
• Passion for and experience in agriculture and conservation fields.

Compensation

Ashland SWCD offers a health insurance through our county benefits program, 12.5 paid holidays/year, annual leave, sick leave, flex time, and Ohio Public Employees Retirement benefits. The district will pay for additional training specific to job description requirements. See employment policy for details on health insurance options and salary schedule.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Pay may depend on skills and/or qualifications

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ashland, OH 44805: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $18