AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST I

14

304 Commerce Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

The purpose of this entry level position is to learn the principles of soil and water conservation planning to achieve the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP III) planning goals for Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection.  Work in this position receives close supervision and begins to develop an understanding of soil and water conservation principles and techniques related to identifying resource concerns on agricultural land. Staff assigned to this position receive technical guidance from the NRCS District Conservationist and work with experienced conservation planners when meeting with agricultural landowners or operators to gather input for the development of a Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan (SCWQP) to address the resource concerns identified on agricultural land they own and/or control.

Develop or revise SCWQP for the cooperator/landowner that identifies and addresses resource concerns with consideration given for the needs and priorities of their farming operation and meets the guidelines and standards for a SCWQP as defined by MDA or NRCS.

Meet the planning goals for this job classification by developing SCWQPs that address cropland pasture, and headquarters acres, which is consistent with WIP III planning goals.

Participate in assigned training to learn the principles and skills necessary to identify and address resource concerns on agricultural land, develop SCWQPs, and to obtain NRCS Level I Planner Certification.

Provide assistance to agriculture landowners and operators participating in MDA, NRCS, and other partner incentive programs by informing them of program eligibility requirements, opportunities, and completing the required forms for participation.

Other duties pertinent to the Resource Conservation District Operations program may be assigned.

An Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist I is the entry level of soil and water conservation work related to agricultural operations, property and land.  Employees in this classification work either in the field developing and implementing agricultural conservation plans or at headquarters overseeing the implementation of cost-share funding for best management practices and providing program administration support for conservation grant programs.  Employees apply soil and water conservation principles and practices and work closely with agricultural landowners, operators and regional and district staff.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a Resource Conservation Regional Coordinator, Resource Conservation District Supervisor or other designated administrator.  Technical guidance may be provided by a USDA District Conservationist.  Considerable time may be spent out-of-doors under varying climatic conditions in rural areas often requiring extensive travel and evening hours.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist I, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist II and Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist I learns to perform duties under close supervision.  The Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

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

Experience: None.

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 urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils work for the required education.

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 work 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 any of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Current Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certification

Current Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS) Certification

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.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for 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 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. 

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.