Natural Resource Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

COUNTY OF WARRICK, INDIANA

POSITION: Natural Resource Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation District

WORK HOURS: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., M-F

JOB CATEGORY: N/A

DATE WRITTEN: September 2024 STATUS: Full-time

DATE REVISED: FLSA STATUS:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The County of Warrick provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

This position provides technical & educational support to the Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation District in carrying out the SWCD’s programs in conformance with the purpose of the SWCD as defined in Indiana District Law (IC 14-32). This professional position requires technical knowledge and/or work experience in soil conservation measures and natural resources management. Position will also provide educational support to both youth and adult in regard to soil & water conservation practices in Warrick County.

DUTIES:

Assist in carrying out duties, programs and contractual obligations of the District.

Assist the Board of Supervisors and NRCS personnel in the contractual paperwork, planning, survey, design and construction of conservation practices. By assisting with the paperwork of new conservation program applications. By creating maps, plan data in NRCS ToolKit, assist with folder preparation, data collection and planning assistance.

Make field visits, complete construction checks, and assist with initial planning of practices on various conservation projects. Work with Conservation Implementation Team (CIT) as needed for training and assistance of engineer practices in Warrick County.

Assist various agencies, groups and individuals in overcoming existing problems due to severe soil limitations, flooding, erosion, siltation and related problems. This assistance will be provided to help insure a high-quality state of soil and water resources for future generations.

Review and evaluate plans for compliance of Construction Stormwater General Permits and conduct field checks.

Assist in providing technical resource data to be used in plans and other documents that relate to and involve Warrick County’s soil and water resources in urban and agriculture areas.

May be asked to perform various education activities of the SWCD. May include working with various news media, schools, universities, civic clubs, groups and other organizations.

Develop and/or continue educational programs such as Ag Day’s, Farmers markets and both indoor and outdoor conservation classroom activities.

Establish conservation programs in Warrick County classrooms.

Assist in carrying out other duties and programs that are in the best interest of the SWCD, such as grant applications and implementation, long range planning, establishing priorities based on the priorities of the District.

The Technician understands and agrees that data, materials and information disclosed to the Technician may contain confidential and protected data and therefore promises and assures that all said data, material and information will not be disclosed or discussed with others without the prior written consent of the District.

The Technician understands that all plans, preliminary outlines, sketches, designs and any and all other property and materials shall be sole property of the District.

Other duties as assigned by SWCD Board and/or Executive Director.

I.JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

A degree in environmental science, agricultural education or other natural resources area is preferred but not required. Experience in water quality, erosion and sediment control, agronomy, ag education or natural resources management is a plus.

Ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills and the ability to prioritize variable workload.

Ability to work with persons from other organizations, agencies and groups in a professional manner to project a favorable image of the SWCD.

Must possess excellent computer skills and knowledge in word processing and database spreadsheets. MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher, Conservation Desktop, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills beneficial.

Must possess an ability to coordinate educational events and/or plans and carry them out.

Ability to design and promote educational outreach for farmers and schools.

Must be available to attend periodic conferences, workshops and training programs to maintain awareness of current conservation issues that can be multiple days.

Travel outside the office and the county on behalf of the SWCD may be necessary. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at allowable rates set by county.

Must possess and retain a valid State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and a driving record which permits the District to maintain standard risk insurance.

Must pass a criminal background check which is necessary to access office equipment.

A prompt and professional work appearance is desired.

II. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal work hours will commence at the District office. A daily/weekly work schedule will be established once the position is filled and meets the demands of the position. Work hours may be extended to reflect workload demands. Limited attendance at night meetings or weekend activities may be necessary.

Position includes computer, office and field work on farms in Warrick County. Applicants should be in good physical condition and capable of walking and carrying surveying equipment in extreme temperatures. Visits to construction sites are required and typical hazards will exist such as dust, heavy equipment traffic, etc. On the job training will be provided.

Use of personal vehicle may be routinely required in the field. Technical specialist may accompany NRCS, ISDA or SWCD staff for transportation.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent performs standard, recurring duties with assignments guided by broad policies and/or objectives. Incumbent receives general supervision and refers to supervisor when interpretations of department policies or programs are thought necessary. Errors are primarily detected through procedural safeguards. Work errors could result in loss of time to correct error.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, local agencies and organizations, and the public for the purpose of exchanging information and ideas, rendering service, mentoring, and supervising personnel.

Incumbent reports directly to Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in Warrick County, outdoors, and in a vehicle, involving sitting/walking at will, standing/walking, pushing/pulling/lifting/, crouching/kneeling, bending/reaching, color/depth perception, handling/grasping objects, close/far vision, speaking clearly, and hearing sounds/communication. Physical effort is not frequently exerted for sustained periods, but intense physical strain is not part of normal duties.

Incumbent maybe needed to serve on occasional weekends and evenings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000