Water Quality Specialist

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

This position is a full-time, 30-40-hour/week position and is directly responsible to the program director.The Water Quality Specialist provides agronomic and nutrient management assistance to landowners with an emphasis on the H2Ohio program and water quality initiatives within the Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District while working closely with other district staff to accomplish program goals and objectives.

Essential Functions:

The Water Quality Specialist professionally works toward the following objectives:

Enhance agricultural productivity and soil health in Ashland County: 55%

• Assist farmers in developing and implementing nutrient management plans to improve sustainability and profitability, with special emphasis on H2Ohio nutrient management programs.
• Lead district soil testing program to encourage optimal nutrient management for Ashland County farmers and landowners, including managing invoicing and receivables for this program..
• Secure certification and authority through the Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide technical assistance to farmers participating in H2Ohio and USDA programs.
• 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
• Connect farmers with prevision conservation tools including crop and nutrient modeling to support 4R principles and on-farm profitability, with special emphasis on the district’s conservation stewardship program.
• Complete professional development trainings to develop and maintain technical expertise and certification to implement on-the-ground conservation programming.
• Provide support as needed for other district conservation programs including cover crop implementation, conservation status checks equipment rental, and livestock grazing programs.

Address water quality impairments while protecting and preserving high-quality water resources: 15%

• Lead district programming to identify baseline water quality data through the performance of regular assessments through water quality testing
• Provide leadership for watershed planning activities with special emphasis on the Black Fork and Jerome Fork watersheds, including the development of non-point source implementation strategy plans and project identification and development.
• Assist director in securing and administering outside funding sources and cost-share opportunities for water quality projects including compiling and securing data for grant applications.

Ensure sustainable stormwater management practices and programs: 10%

• Encourage forest management, including supporting the district’s annual tree sale, including packing and distribution.
• Assist as needed to other local, state and national partner agencies and committee including the Erie Basin Conservation District.
• Support stormwater education and adoption of best management practices.

Encourage implementation of best management practices for manure: 5%

• Provide rapid, professional response and expertise when alerted to a pollution issue and assist with educational outreach as needed.
• Support outreach and education for best management practices to minimize pollution risk, including livestock stream exclusion and outreach to the Amish & Mennonite communities

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%

• Conduct hands-on educational 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 and partner with cooperating agencies to achieve common goals.
• Assist as needed with the 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