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AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST III

Recruitment #18-000521-0003

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

92 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 110, Frederick, MD 21702

Main Purpose of Job

This is a regional position that provides support to soil conservation districts in Western Maryland by working with farmers to provide on-farm assessment/education on management issues regarding the implementation of best management practices related to compliance with nutrient management regulations. In addition, this position is responsible for investigating and coordinating rapid response to address compliance issues resulting from complaints received involving agricultural operations. This position also provides support to soil conservation districts in carrying out MDA programs including cover crop, manure transport and manure incorporation and various MDA initiatives.

POSITION DUTIES

Review soil conservation water quality plans to identify nutrient management related BMPs, field verify and geospacially document these practices and identify areas where these practices may be needed.

Respond to Ag complaints in Western Maryland by coordinating with Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and local soil conservation districts to resolve cases of water pollution caused by agriculture.

Conduct outreach activities to educate landowners and farm operators about MDA and Soil Conservation District initiatives and to raise awareness about regulations related to protection of water quality.

Assist soil conservation districts in Western Maryland with carrying out activities associated with Maryland Agricultural Cost Share (MACS) for cover crop including completing applications and verifying plantings; for manure transport and manure incorporation.

Submit quarterly and annual reports regarding compliant activity and progress on compliant resolution and MACS cost share activities related to cover crop, manure transport and manure incorporation.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

Experience: Two years of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality.

Notes:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils, and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education.

2. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field may be substituted for the required education and one year of the required experience.

3. An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education.

4. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and two additional years of experience in soil and water conservation may be substituted for the required education.

5. Candidates may substitute planning, engineering or program administration experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agricultural or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

6. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of current Nutrient Management Certification  (A copy of your current certification must accompany your application).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in certain positions in this classification may be required to become Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409).

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.  It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred, however paper applications will be accepted from candidates who may not have internet access.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)  

If you are submitting additional information, such as transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).  Mailing Address: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401.

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Hazel Day at 410-841-5840 or hazel.day@maryland.gov

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.




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