See Below

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Conservation Technician will provide outreach and technical assistance to landowners for programs offered and managed by the Sherman County SWCD and USDA.

 

Specific Program Duties:

  1. Conservation Reserve Programs
  1. Complete field visits to determine whether acreage proposed for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is suitable for the practice offered and is needed and feasible to solve the resource concern.
  2. Label aerial photos with the location of proposed restoration practices, e.g. seeding, tree planting, fencing, etc.
  3. Complete an Environmental Assessment of the proposed acreage.
  4. Assist producers with developing a conservation plan for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
  5. Write specifications for range seeding, tree and shrub planting, fencing, wildlife habitat management, etc.
  6. Interpret NRCS Standard and Specifications to producers for conservation practices in their CRP plans.
  7. Coordinate with Oregon Dept. of State Forestry in completing tree planting specifications.
  8. Complete Status Reviews and site visits on contracts.
  9. Document the progress of the conservation plan
  10. Describe the condition of installed practices
  11. Identify the need for plan revisions
  12. Identify any additional assistance needed
  13. If the practice is not complete, describe the reason why the practices have not been established
  14. If the practice does not meet standards and specifications, describe the reasons why
  15. Describe what actions must be taken for the practice to meet the standards and specifications
  1. Assist with Education Projects
  2. Complete other duties as assigned.

 

Demands / Complexity

The conservation technician position is highly complex, requiring familiarity with a wide range of laws that govern district operations including state and federal permitting requirements; NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Privacy Act, and Oregon Ag Water Quality requirements. This position also requires a detailed knowledge of USDA NRCS Technical Standards, the field office technical guide, conservation planning standards and procedures, and familiarity with the types of conservation practices commonly employed within the district.

 

The conservation technician must be able to work independently, in a very diverse work environment with minimal supervision, including prioritizing daily work tasks, scheduling field work, and meetings.  This is a very diverse working environment.  The conservation technician is responsible for documenting their own time for monthly reporting purposes.  Conservation planning involves a working knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices, methods and procedures of soil types, of land use factors having effect upon soil erosion and water quality.

 

This position works with public employees at all levels both within and outside the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, other government agencies, federal, state and local officials and the public.

 

Supervisory Responsibility

This job has no regularly assigned supervisory responsibility.  May occasionally be required to supervise planting crews or trainees for limited periods of time.

 

Contacts with Others

This position has daily, face to face interactions with District and USDA Service Center staff.  Frequent interactions in person, via phone, email, and written correspondence occur with other SWCDs, and the many state, federal, and local agencies with whom the district works.  In addition, similar interaction occurs between the conservation technician and the District’s clientele, primarily local farmers and ranchers.  Typical interactions may include exchange of information, sharing of technical information, coordination of on-going projects or discussion of potential new projects, or providing technical assistance.  Care must be taken to avoid sharing information governed by the privacy act, most of which is private landowner information.  The conservation technician most frequently will work with landowners in developing plans that may become legally binding contracts under various USDA Farm Bill Programs and must clearly communicate those potential obligations to landowners without confusion.

 

Required Job Skills:

  1. Problem-solving skills with diverse groups of people
  2. Advanced written and oral communication skills in English
  3. Computer proficiency, in particular with Microsoft Office Suite
  4. Ability to establish work priorities and manage time effectively
  5. Physically able for “on-the-ground” field activities
  6. Valid driver’s license

Desired Job Skills:

  1. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular with ESRI ArcView
  2. Knowledge of programs and laws pertaining to watershed restoration in Oregon
  3. Knowledge of roles of watershed councils, SWCDs, and agencies in watershed activities
  4. College degree strongly preferred
  5. Knowledge of the social, ecological and economic structure of the Columbia Plateau
  6. Background or training in agricultural planning, including NRCS planning procedures

Education / Experience

  1. A minimum four years of work experience in at least one of the following: natural resource planning and management, community organization or project management.
  2. A four-year college degree may substitute for work experience.
  3. A combination of work experience, college courses, and volunteer experience that includes all of these categories: natural resource planning and management, community organization and project management.

Type of Position

  • Full time Exempt employee of Sherman County SWCD
  • Entry level salary range is GS 4 to GS 7. ($27,990 to $38,790 depending on qualifications.) Adjustment possible based on performance during 90 day trial service period.
  • Sherman County SWCD is an at-will employer.

Application Process

  • Applicants must submit a letter of interest describing their qualifications and reasons for interest in the position.  A one page typed resume should be attached to the letter.
  • Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary increases are subject to funding availability, job performance and determined by the U.S. Personnel Management Salary Grade & Step Table.

 

Medical/dental/vision benefits will be provided at a rate designated annually by the SWCD board of directors. Sick leave and annual leave will be accrued each month. Benefits begin after the probationary period is completed.  Retirement benefits begin after one year of employment.

 

Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

For more information please contact the Sherman County SWCD at (541) 565-3216, extension 3.