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AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST II

CONSERVATION PLANNER - VARIOUS SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Recruitment #21-000517-0001

Introduction

This recruitment is open to the public; all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

*Please note:  compensation will include a $1,000 sign-on bonus for all new State employees hired before May 1, 2021.

GRADE

ASTD14

LOCATION OF POSITION

This is a statewide job announcement, to fill current vacancies and future openings that may occur in various county Soil Conservation Districts within the State of Maryland.  All qualified applicants will be placed on an eligible list for a period of one year.

Main Purpose of Job

This is conservation planning work, which involves a working knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices and methods related to the planning and installation of soil and water conservation projects and systems. Work is done in conjunction with the agricultural land owner or operator. This position assists the district in the preparation and implementation of soil conservation and water quality plans.

This is intermediate level work, with opportunity to advance to Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III.

POSITION DUTIES

Develop or revise a conservation plan for the cooperator/landowner that meets their farming operation needs and priorities and promotes the wise use of natural resources which complies with the priorities of the Office of Resource Conservation by following the guidelines or standards for a conservation plan (192) based upon approved standards and specifications.

Prepare and deliver plans that are consistent with District and Agency priorities to meet the goals and requirements of both partners through established progress reporting systems.

Determine BMP eligibility for Maryland Agricultural Cost Share funding and/or co-cost sharing for abatement of non-point source pollution by agricultural sources. Inventory and evaluate practices to reduce soil erosion and to improve water quality.

Promote conservation programs, including planning, through outreach to nonparticipating landowners or cooperators, office referrals and community outreach programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: One year 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

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

Experience developing conservation plans for farming operations.

Experience developing nutrient management plans for clients or on farm nutrient management experience.

Experience administering conservation incentive programs.

Experience implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Coursework in Geographic Information System (GIS).

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact:  Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov

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. 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). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

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.




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