Agricultural Conservation Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Agricultural Conservation Specialist is responsible for direct technical services and assistance to production agricultural cooperators, owners and operators of Northampton County farms and other landowners to help solve natural resource problems in the areas of soil conservation and nutrient management with the development and implementation of conservation/agricultural erosion and sedimentation control plans. The position’s goal is to promote the conservation of the soil and water resources of Northampton County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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. A full job description can be provided upon request, and will be provided to the employee upon hire.

• Uses resource inventories, land use information, and available water quality assessments to identify existing and potential sources of non-point source pollution from agricultural properties within the County.
• Assists agricultural producers and landowners with the assessment of natural resource problems, the development and implementation of conservation/erosion and sedimentation control plans, and the design and installation of best management practices, as requested.
• Conducts educational programs to address local soil health and water quality impacts. Prepares department brochures and handouts for public outreach. Creates and maintains displays for public events and outreach. Attends public outreach events as directed.
• Serves as a resource and technical advisor for cooperating agricultural producers and landowners to obtain required permits and other project approvals required for the implementation of conservation best management practices.
• Administers the provisions of the county delegation agreement which the Conservation District has signed with the State Conservation Commission.
• Provides information on financial resources (grants, loans, and cost-share) available to assist agricultural producers and landowners in the installation of agricultural conservation best management practices.
• Physical demands: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Must have the ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments and the ability to handle, load and unload, and move and guide material using simple tools. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Position requires frequent work outdoors in hot and/or inclement weather and traversing of difficult terrain.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural engineering, soil & crop management, environmental resource management, animal husbandry, dairy science, or a closely related field. NOTE: Experience in any of the aforementioned fields can be substituted for the Education requirement on a year-for-year basis
• Two (2) years of satisfactory full-time professional work experience in agricultural conservation practice in any of the fields listed above, is preferred.
• Specific experience in conservation work at the Federal, State, or local level preferred
• Experience preferred with PA Conservation District law, the PA State Conservation Commission, PA Title 25 - Chapters 92, 93, 102 and 105, PDA ACT and NMA programs, PA DEP Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record; AND
• NRCS conservation planning and Act 38 Nutrient Management certifications are preferred, but employee assigned to this title will be required to obtain certifications upon establishment in the position; until then, employee will assist current certified/assigned staff.

SCHEDULE:

• This position is based out of the main District office at 3158 Newburg Road, Nazareth, PA 18064.
• The regular work week is 40 hours. Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:00PM.
• This position is considered full-time.
• Occasional travel for training required.

COMPENSATION:

• Starting at $58,000/yr
• Generous leave package including vacation, personal, holiday, and sick leave.
• Healthcare package including medical, dental, and vision plans. Spouse/Family coverage available.
• Retirement plan with matching funds from District.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email resume and cover letter to District Manager Nate Pritchard at npritchard@northamptoncd.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000