Soil Conservation Technician

JOB OPENING

ACCEPTING RESUMES THROUGH DECEMBER 1st, 2023

POSITION TITLE: SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN (GS6-1)

SALARY: $47,798 (BASED ON HOURLY RATE OF $22.98/HR)

POSITION TYPE: GRANT CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT*

LOCATION: MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND & EASTERN SHORE

START DATE: IMMEDIATELY

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The RC&D has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to create and fund 11 soil conservation technician positions to serve the NRCS Field Offices in a 11 County Area (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Prince George’s, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester). The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical support services to the Field Offices and scheduling the installation and application of conservation practices. The principal work station for this position will be at the Soil Conservation District office located in the County for which you are selected. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment. “Helping People Help the Land”.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Technical Application

a. Provides information to farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents on the kinds of assistance available from NRCS and other state and federal agencies, including the nature of the programs and how and where to apply for assistance.

b. Explains cost-share payment procedures to farmers, inspects proposed sites, determines need and feasibility of conservation practices, advises on-site selections, performs layout work, and supervises construction of practices for which the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has technical responsibility.

c. Checks application feasibility and makes preliminary engineering surveys gathering design data for structures requiring engineering application. Prepares tentative designs based on standard designs for review Southern Maryland RC&D Board, Inc. - 26737 Radio Station Way Suite D - Leonardtown, MD 20650 and approval by others. Lays out construction ground controls by location cut and fill stakes, running level lines and other control lines, using rod, level and transit.

d. Checks completed practices to determine that specifications are met. Completes field sheets and recommends acceptability of completed practices to the supervisor for final certification.

e. Establishes and/or carries out a follow-up schedule to check progress made in carrying out conservation plans. Recognizes when revisions to plans are needed, and obtains data which expedites revision of plans.

2. Data Collection

a. Gathers and compiles planning data on rural and/or urban sites, including physical features such as soil limitations, erosion, surface drainage, and sedimentation for evaluation and development of natural resources

conservation plans by a professional soil conservationist.

b. Assists the District Conservationist in resource planning by laying out farm boundaries on aerial photos, determines acreage with grid scale and planimeter, prepares cartographic orders. Performs simple conservation for basic resource protection for conservation compliance plans.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must be High School graduates with at least 1 year of experience working in an agricultural, engineering, surveying, or resource conservation related field. Knowledge of agricultural operations and federal and state conservation programs is advantageous. Knowledge and skill in interpreting and applying technical manuals, specifications, topographic maps and standard construction blueprint designs. Ability to complete basic surveying and drafting tasks. Practical knowledge of soil, water, and other factors sufficient to determine appropriate crop suitability, sediment control measures, and drainage practices. Knowledge of basic survey and engineering activities and practices to prepare preliminary engineering plans based on standard designs for review and approval by the district conservationist or other higher graded employees. The ability to communicate and work well with others in a field or office environment. A valid driver’s license. Some travel will be required with this position. 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.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email Resume and Cover Letter, 3 professional references and preferred county of employment (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Prince George’s, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester) to: somdrcd@somdrcd.org 

The Southern Maryland RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the Southern Maryland RC&D Board are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.