Jurisdiction:  Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted:  7/09/01

Amended:  8/30/01

 

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is technical work involving responsibility for assisting the Soil and Water Conservation District Manager with all aspects of the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District programs.  These programs include, but are not limited to: field surveys, design and supervision of conservation projects, develop technical material and information for the benefit of all soil and water conservation programs.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Soil and Water Conservation District Manager.  General direction is exercised over aides in the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

Implements agricultural and environmental management and planning programs involving data collection and the development of Best Management Practice recommendations;

Prepares natural resource conservation plans for public and private properties including: nutrient management plans, manure management plans, prescribed grazing managing plans, etc.;

Provides technical assistance to landowners, groups, and units of local government including the evaluation, survey, design cost estimates, layout, implementation, and construction inspection of soil and water conservation practices;

Conducts soil investigations, inventories, and evaluations of natural resources and management activities;

Analyzes and comments on potential land use projects and programs as they relate to soil, water, and other natural resources;

Assists with development of proposals and performs activities required for the implementation of water quality and other special grant programs as required by the District Manager;

Implements assigned SWCD programs such as the Seedling Program, Pond Stocking Programs, and Agricultural Assessment Program;

Prepares a monthly work report and keeps daily narrative;

Submits news articles for the District Newsletter, newspapers, etc.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of agricultural operatives and practices; good knowledge of the principles and practices of natural resource conservation and Best Management Practices for erosion control, water quality, and water management; working knowledge and experience in the use of computers and word processing; ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs; ability to compile data and prepare reports; good verbal and interpersonal skills; dependable; enthusiastic; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either

 

A.     Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Technology, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field; OR

 

B.     Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college with an Associate Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Technology, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field and two (2) years experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture, construction, environmental management, engineering or related field; OR

C.    Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND at least four (4) years experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture, construction, environmental management, engineering or related field; OR

D.    An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) ,(B), and (C) above.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:          Possession of a valid NYS Drivers License.