Natural Resource Conservationist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Natural Resource Conservationist

Market Range:

MR17

Approved Date:

1/25/2021 2:09:31 PM

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P2

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 2

Job Code:

100545

Job Family:

Environmental Services

Sub Family:

Conservation

Primary Purpose

Provides technical assistance to Wake County landowners/land users, farmers or clients in the planning, design and implementation of the conservation of natural resources which could include water, soil, air, plant, forest and wildlife. Educates farmers, landowners, government agencies and the general public on conservation practices. Identifies potential problems or parcels for protection, creates solution alternatives, supervises the implementation of conservation measures and develops custom conservation plans that comply with specific USDA-NRCS and NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation specifications and regulations. Administers all aspects of the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program, the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program, and the Community Conservation Assistance Program.

•

Administers NC DSWC state cost share programs. Assists customers with agriculture cost-share contracts by providing inventory and evaluation of natural resource problems and concerns within Wake County watersheds. Develops state cost-share contracts that provide best management practice technical assistance, monitors the installation and construction of all conservation practices and certifies that the installation meets all practices, standards and specifications. Writes conservation plans for Wake County landowners, farmers land managers or clients that meet all conservation planning guidelines.

1

50%

•

Administers local, state, federal or private grant funds that address and treat natural resource concerns on vulnerable land and critical water quality concerns in Wake County watersheds.

2

10%

•

Partners with other County Departments and outside agencies (USDA-NRCS and USDA-FSA, NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers, Piedmont Conservation Council, Triangle Land Conservancy) to support natural resource protection in Wake County.

3

5%

•

Contributes to the planning and coordination of the annual Wake Soil and Water District Events including Keeping the Farm Workshop, Resource Conservation Workshop, and the Friends of the Wake SWCD Awards Banquet.

4

5%

•

Conducts outreach on behalf of the Wake SWCD to Wake County citizens and landowners.  Educate farmers, landowners, government agencies and the general public on the protection and preservation of the natural resources in Wake County.

5

5%

•

Supports the Wake Soil and Water District Board of Supervisors. Provides regular updates on programs and project reports to the appointed and elected Wake Soil and Water District Board of Supervisors.

6

5%

•

Provides excellent customer service to Wake County citizens by providing various levels of assistance. Responds to technical assistance requests, answers questions, directs citizens to proper departments, researches information relevant to resource concerns.

7

5%

•

Conducts various Departmental administrative activities such as meetings, planning, SharePoint maintenance.

8

5%

•

Provides support to and conducts the Wake SWWCD Annual Spot Check visits and reports each year and contributes to the Wake SWCD Annual Strategy Plans and State Cost-Share Ranking Forms each year.

9

5%

•

Participates in professional development and training. Takes classes and attends training programs to achieve/maintain Certified Conservation Planner (CCP) and/or Job Approval Authority (JAA) credentials in order to plan, design and construct the common conservation practices that are needed in Wake County. Completes continuing education credits and classes that refresh and improve the current level of  technical skills in surveying, engineering designs, soil health, Conservation Desktop and ArcGIS skills.

10

5%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

•

Contributes to NC Area iV Association meetings and events that include Envirothon, Conservation Employees Workshop (CET) the NC Soil and Water Association Annual Meeting and other functions as assigned.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P2

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 2

•

Works independently on projects/assignments that impact Work Group results.

•

Work is generally supervised and involves periodic process checks.

•

Responsible for making adjustments or recommended enhancements in systems and processes to solve problems or improve effectiveness of the Work Group.

•

Typically communicates within or outside the Work Group to provide information requiring some explanation or interpretation to reach agreement.

•

May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals or support staff.

•

Requires practical knowledge of the Work Group typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Studies or related field

•

Two years of experience in natural resource conservation activities

•

Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Bachelor's Degree

in Conservation, Natural Resources, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Studies or related field

•

5 Years

Previous experience with working with Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or USDA-NRCS.

Or

•

3 Years

Experience surveying, designing engineering practices, ArcGIS or working with conservation/natural reserouce management.

•

Certified Conservation Planner from USDA-NRCS

Within 3 Years

or

•

Job Approval Authority (JAA) issued by USDA-NRCS or from NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Within 2 Years

and

•

A valid drivers license and safe driving record

Upon Hire

•

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction

•

Ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

•

Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

•

Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

•

Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively

•

Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Customer Service

Balances interests of a variety of clients, and readily readjusts priorities to respond effectively to pressing and changing demands for information, advice and assistance.  Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; and commits to continuous improvement of services.

Consulting

Applies knowledge of policies and procedures in the area of work to advise others across the organization on critical issues.

Analysis

Examines data to grasp issues, draw conclusions, and solve problems.

Problem Solving

Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base, and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Quality Assurance

Produces results or provides service that meets or exceeds organizational standards. May audit the work of others to ensure quality standards are met.

Operating Equipment

Uses tools, machines, and vehicles to transport goods or people, or to create work products.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

All Others

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

High Stress Situations

X

Dangerous Situations

X

Emergency Situations

X

Incarcerated Individuals

X

Combative Individuals

X

Animals

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit's operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X

Extreme Darkness

X

Extreme Brightness

X

Radiation

X

Chemicals/Hazardous Waste

X

Gases/Gas Leaks

X

Electrical Hazards

X

Acidid or Harsh Substances

X

Infectious Bacteria/Viruses

X

Infectious Diseases

X

Blood-Borne Pathogens

X

Fumes/Airborne Particles

X

Allergens (variety)

X

Confined Spaces

X

High or Precarious Places

X

Ladders/Step Stools

X

Moving Mechanical Parts

X

Operating Vehicle

X

Operating Light Equipment

X

Operating Heavy Equipment

X