Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water

Conservation District

Animal Waste Conservation Planner

Position Description

GENERAL

The Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District (SVSWCD) is a self-governing public agency that is considered a political subdivision of the state that is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors. Under the direction of the SVSWCD Board of Directors and under the supervision of the SVSWCD District Manager, and/or the NRCS District Conservationist the Animal Waste Conservation Planner will be responsible for performing a wide range of technical and administrative duties that pertain to the implementation of the Sustainable Chesapeake Working with Small Animal Feeding Operations Project. The work of the SVSWCD focuses on water quality and quantity, soils, land-use and land development practices, innovative best management practices, agricultural best management practices, stream protection, research, analysis and implementation of special projects and demonstration projects, and education and outreach to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including workshops and programs for professionals, agricultural producers, youth, and the general public. Responsibilities include regular contact with farmers, contractors, conservation partners requiring judgement and tact in all interactions. Assignments and some supervision are given by other members of the SVSWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff. This position is a full time position with regular work hours of 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday and occasionally includes extended work hours, evening and weekend hours, and overnight travel for training and meetings. This position is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The SVSWCD/NRCS office environment is collaborative, supportive and flexible. The SVSWCD/NRCS staff are forward-thinking, innovative, motivated and dedicated. The position is located in the Harrisonburg, VA USDA Service Center.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

In coordination with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position will help to implement programs and provisions included in the Farm Bill. The Conservation Planner position provides technical assistance for resource conservation projects with direct interaction with landowners, agencies, and related project partners. The majority of the work is focused on project planning. The incumbent will serve as a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planner and Conservation Planner for Rockingham and Augusta Counties working with livestock operations as outlined by the NRCS funding grant. This position is a temporary grant funded position that is currently funded through 6/30/2022, with the possibility of a one year extension.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop comprehensive conservation plans including comprehensive nutrient management plans and provide technical assistance for land and water restoration projects on livestock operations - this task will be the primary duty of the position.
• Develop and assist with implementation of conservation plans and associated practices contracted through various state and federal conservation programs.
• Conduct resource inventories and analyses to identify and evaluate soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource concerns.
• Develop outreach materials and articles and reports for internal and external use including but not limited to quarterly narrative and activity summary reports
• Perform related tasks to advance conservation efforts including outreach to landowners, conservation plan review, and conduction of environmental education events.
• Coordinate and interact with state and federal partner agencies regarding livestock operations and their conservation efforts.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with design and implementation of component of conservation projects
• Assist with maintaining accurate and orderly project case files
• Attend staff meetings, and inter-agency meetings, trainings, and workshops as directed and when necessary
• Be familiar with and adhere to deliverables outlined in the SVSWCD’s Cooperative Agreement with NRCS
• Adhere to all SVSWCD policies and guidelines
• Assist with and complete other duties and tasks as assigned by the SVSWCD Board. District Manager, and NRCS District Conservationists

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as soil science, agronomy, agricultural education or agricultural engineering. A minimum of 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination or soils and crops or plant science is required. Of the 12 semester hours a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours must have been in crops or plant science. 

Or

The applicant must have a combination of education and/or experience in the field of soil conservation, natural resource management, agriculture or related discipline. Applicant must also have experience dealing with animal waste nutrient management planning and implementation, waste management evaluation and planning and understanding of basic agronomic principles.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office computer programs: Word, Excel, Outlook
• Ability to learn and utilize NRCS Business Tools (ToolKit, Conservation Desktop, Protracts, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Show initiative, accept responsibility and initiate appropriate actions for work projects
• Ability to speak comfortably before large groups
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter and manage time in an efficient manner and meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a team environment
• Ability to interpret and apply program policies, procedures and guidelines
• Ability to interpret technical standards and specifications and engineering drawings
• Ability to coordinate work with other staff, agencies, and organizations
• Ability to work outside during adverse weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license
• US Citizenship
• A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law
• enforcement agencies. A security clearance is not a requirement.
• Regular attendance at work

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• While employed in the position, the employee must complete continuing education requirements provided by the agency and/or partners at no cost that will prepare them for obtaining the certifications listed below.
• Successful certification as a Virginia certified Nutrient Management Planner within 18 months of hire date 
• Successful progress towards earning appropriate NRCS and DCR Conservation Planner Certifications
• Successful progress towards obtaining appropriate NRCS Engineering Job Approval Authority for Animal Waste related practices as well as general conservation practices (livestock watering systems, stream crossings, animal walkways, etc.)
• Successful progress towards obtaining appropriate NRCS Ecological Sciences Job Approval Authority for commonly installed practices (Nutrient Management, Critical Area Plantings, Fence, etc.)

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Customer service and public relations experience
• Technical knowledge of design and installation of conservation practices and understanding of basic
• construction/excavation principles
• Farm background/agricultural experience-highly desirable
• Experience with/ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems-(GIS)-ESRI products and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is operative work requiring the exertion of up to and exceeding 30 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Regular required tasks include sitting;talking or hearing, in person and by telephone; using hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office and maintenance/field equipment; and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and stand sometimes on uneven surfaces; in addition, occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. In addition, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; and learn and apply new information or skills. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Tasks require alertness to avoid potential hazardous conditions/situations.

OTHER

• Employee evaluations will be conducted to review employee performance
• The SVSWCD follows Rockingham County’s Personnel Policy in addition to approved SVSWCD policies
• Employee is expected to provide own transportation on the job if SVSWCD or NRCS vehicle is not available; employee is reimbursed at the current SVSWCD approved mileage rate for job-related personal vehicle mileage when an SVSWCD or NRCS vehicle is not available
• Drug testing may be required
• Opportunities for merit increases are based on SVSWCD funding availability and job performance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by this position. They are not intended to be constructed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

All programs and services of the Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, or political beliefs.

The Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.