Job Title: Conservation Specialist

Job Title: Conservation Specialist Salary Range: $31,907 -$38,306

Submit Resume to: WV Conservation Agency Attn: Vacancies 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston, WV 25305 E-mail:[email protected] Fax: 304-558-1635

Announcement Closes: October 31, 2016

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt. This position is exempt from WV Division of Personnel Rules (at-will employee).

Nature of Work: Provide technical assistance, planning assistance, and information on urban storm water and best management practices, natural stream restoration techniques, and non-point source water quality issues, to individual landowners and farmers. In providing technical assistance, employee will be responsible for implementation of 319 grant educational programs, record keeping, attending watershed meetings and developing watershed improvement projects either through 319 programs and/or Chesapeake Bay Program. Individual performs related work as required and other duties as assigned.

Work Environment: This position combines an office environment and fieldwork that may include; traversing rough terrain, exposure to inclement weather, aerial flights, operation of small water craft, and use of bio-security measures. Some travel with overnight stays is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Positions in this class are distinguished by the level of supervision provided and by the independence of action granted.

Examples of Work Performed:  Collect, prepare and distribute information.  Comply with US, WV, and Local laws, standards, specifications, and requirements.  Work closely with watershed associations  Conduct watershed assessment  Develop and implement Watershed Based Plans  Work with county commissions, municipalities, public service districts, and other government entities.  Develop Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants in to implement Watershed Based Plans  Maintains producer/landowner confidentiality.  Participate in Farm Bill Program assessments with partnering agencies.  Plan, design, layout conservation practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Ability to develop conservation programs as a team member and/or individually.  Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team working on joint and separate projects that protect or improve water quality.  Ability to develop detailed reports including but not limited to an annual plan of work, quarterly status reports, and Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant Requests.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, and the public.  Knowledge of water quality monitoring and sampling procedures.  Knowledge of the Clean Water Act.  Knowledge of state Water Quality Standards, 303(d) list, TMDLs, and Watershed Based Plans.  Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.  Knowledge of storm water management practices, sediment and erosion control practices, and natural stream restoration.  Knowledge of water quality and the relationship of land treatment practices to improve or protect water quality.  Knowledge of water quality monitoring protocols.  Knowledge of basic GIS/GPS systems.  Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite computer programs.  Knowledge of Farm Bill Programs and agricultural best management practices  Knowledge of basic principles and practices of conservation planning and nutrient management.  Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field such as agricultural, biology, or environmental science.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid employment in a related field. OR Education Substitution: Associate’s Degree and four (4) years of experience related to agriculture. The “Education Substitution” years of experience must be in addition to the required “Experience”.

Experience Substitution: None