SOIL CONSERVATION ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

15

26737 Radio Station Way, Suite B, Leonardtown, MD 20650

This is a combination of soil and water conservation planning and technical work, which involves a working knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices and methods and engineering related to the planning and installation of soil and water conservation projects and systems. The technical aspects involve survey, design, layout, and land owner or operator. This position assists the St. Mary's Soil Conservation District in the preparation and implementation of soil conservation and water quality plans and Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Perform site evaluations for cooperators on agricultural land to address soil and water conservation needs by meeting with individual landowners and gathering site specific information necessary for Best Management Practices (BMP) selection.

Inventory and evaluate practices to reduce soil erosion and to improve water quality by performing site evaluations, gathering field information and resource data to identify needs and resource priorities.

Perform site specific survey in areas where a BMP is needed that collects all necessary data points, including set up and use of survey equipment, and keeping notes current and up to date in project folder.

Develop design of BMPs to assist cooperator with the installation of soil conservation and water quality improvement projects based on USDA, Natural Resources conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications or other approved guidelines.

Supervise and track on-site construction of BMPs to assure adherence to approved plans and specifications.

Develop new or revise existing conservation plans; prepare and deliver plans that are consistent with the priorities of the Soil Conservation District, the Maryland Dept. of Agriculture, and its partners and document progress using established progress reporting and tracking systems.

Interpret resource materials including maps and aerial photographs to assist in the development of the design of engineering practices.

Produce and deliver drawings in accordance with NRCS Technical Guidelines using Auto CAD software.

Determine BMP eligibility for Maryland Agricultural Cost Share funding and/or co-cost sharing programs; provide prospective applicants with eligibility requirements.

Education: 60 credit hours in agricultural or civil engineering courses from an accredited college or university.

Experience: None.

Note:

1.  Experience in the field of soil conservation engineering may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

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

Experience using Auto CAD software.

Experience using GIS systems such as Arc View, Arc Map or Property View.

Experience using total station survey equipment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.