AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST III

The Office of Resource Conservation works with Maryland farmers to plan and implement conservation practices and programs that balance crop and livestock production with the need to protect natural resources. The Office provides a range of educational, financial, technical assistance,​ and regulatory programs to support Maryland agriculture and protect natural resources and water quality for future generations.

COME JOIN The Office of Resource Conservation Program Planning & Evaluation Team​!

Inventory and evaluate Best Management Practice implementation on operations enrolled in MDA conservation programs.

• Inspect all BMPs on the operation for proper maintenance and use for program eligibility and compliance.
• Discuss with the farmer and/or program coordinator the findings of the inspection of the BMPS and document if any maintenance or changes in operation need to be made.
• Complete appropriate forms for each MBP9s) inspected and submit forms according to MDA protocols.

Participate in assigning training according to Knowledge, Skills, or Ability (KSA) Curricula developed by MDA to learn the principles and skills consistent with NRCS Planner certification.

Perform Quality Assurance reviews on conservation measures implemented and reported through Conservation Tracker.

• Determine if the conservation measures reported in Conservation Tracker are documented appropriately in the agricultural operations’ Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan.
• Reviews data entries in Conservation tracker to ensure all information is accurately reported.
• Documents the findings of the quality review and provides feedback to the local SCD regarding the results of the evaluation and any necessary follow up in the data systems (e.g., missing data, corrections) according to MDA protocols.

Assess the performance of agricultural operations for market-based or outcomes-based programs, as needed.

• Coordinate necessary files and information with the local Soil Conservation District and/or program administrator.
• Contacts agricultural operaion9s) to schedule a time for a site visit and assessment of the operation.
• Complete appropriate forms for each operation(s) inspected and submit forms according to MDA protocols.

Maintains confidentiality of the information gathered regarding farmers and landowners contacted, as well as a high level of professionalism during contact and interaction with these individuals.

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. Candidates may substitute the possession of 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 for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field for the required education and one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of 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 for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute 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 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.    

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Current Nutrient Management Certification

Experience developing plans or implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP's) in an urban or agricultural operation.

Experience identifying the appropriate use of Best Management Practices (BMP's) in an urban or agricultural
operation.

1 or more years of field experience in performing quality assurance audits in an urban or agricultural operation.

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).

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or 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).

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5842 or stacey.summers@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.