An employee in this class manages the work of Conservationists and the work of the County Soil and Water Conservation office, works closely with the USDA NRCS Conservationist, the District Board, partner agriculture agencies, local educators, land owners and land users. The purpose of the work is to promote programs and services of the department and to provide technical, educational and informational services in order to maintain, protect, preserve and enhance natural resources on private and public lands in the County. Managerial duties include making work assignments and reviewing work; evaluating performance; developing and administering the budget; supervising department and staff fiscal accountability of cost share programs; staffing the District Board; and administering federal contracts.
Independent professional judgment and initiative are exercised in on the spot consultations as well as after more detailed analysis and evaluation. Work requires some physical effort and is performed under hazards present in farm construction work. The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and extremely hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, odors, dust, mist, and gases. Work involves extensive public contact which requires tact and courtesy. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the County Manager and the Nash Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
Essential Duties and Tasks:
Recommends and administers budget; monitors and approves financial transactions for the department; makes and approves purchases.
Works with federal Conservationist to make assignments and administer federal programs; administers contracts for federal and state cost share programs to participating clients.
Assists the District Board in developing and implementing annual cost share strategy plan and annual plan of work; staffs the Board in meetings.
Writes grants for the department to assist the landowner in conservation program implementation above and beyond traditional cost share initiatives.
Provides status reports to County management, district board or other partner agencies.
Additional Job Duties
Attends training and professional development to increase skills and maintain certifications.
Performs related duties as required in Natural Resources Conservation.
Knowledges, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of natural resource conservation and management, including background in civil/agricultural engineering as applied to soil, water, and plant and wildlife conservation.
Skill in report writing and effective presentations.
Ability to supervise and evaluate work of other technical employees.
Ability to analyze and evaluate natural resource and engineering problems and develop corrective recommendations for improvements.
Ability to use advanced modern office procedures and related information technology equipment and software in a conservation office and related mapping programs associated with the work.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landowners/farmers, peers, supervisors, employees, state agencies, other departments, and the general public.
Ability to discuss natural resource management issues with lay and professional audiences.
Ability to make sound professional judgments in all aspects of the work.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public, especially in sensitive situations.
Desirable Education and Experience:
Graduate from four year college with a degree in natural resource management, civil or agricultural engineering or related field, and considerable experience in planning and implementing land use practices which conserve soil, water, forest and wildlife resources; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Find one job in US 