WATERSHED AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST 42436
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for the technical planning, design and implementation of Agricultural Best Management Practices in a watershed as part of the Whole Farm Planning process. Whole Farm Planning is the process by which specific Agricultural Best Management Practices such as soil erosion control, animal waste management, plant nutrient management, domestic animal pathogen management and chemical and pesticide management are implemented in order to reduce potential non-point source pollution from farms. An employee in this class will be responsible for conducting agronomic activities involved in the development of Whole Farm Plans. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior. An employee in this class exercises no supervision. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Develops layout and design and oversees the construction of specific Agricultural Best Management Practices for farms in the watershed as a part of Whole Farm Planning.
Visits farms and non-farm situations to determine specific Agricultural Best Management Practices to be used to control non-point source pollution.
Conducts agronomic activities involved in the development of Whole Farm Plans.
Conducts level and topographic surveys.
Visits farms to collect raw data to form the basis of Whole Farm Plans.
Visits farms to conduct soil sampling as needed.
Visits farms to administer environmental audit worksheets for appropriate problem situations.
Assists in setting priorities for which farms to involve in the Whole Farm Planning process.
Assists in setting standards for the design and installation of Agricultural Best Management Practices for non-point source pollution mitigation.
Assists in the detailed calculation of the cost of implementing specific Agricultural Best Management Practices.
Works with other project team members to carry out Whole Farm Planning by efficiently installing and maintaining specific Agricultural Best Management Practices.
Applies computer programs to Whole Farm Planning process as appropriate.
Provides information on work activities and writes progress reports as required.
Consults with administrative superior on progress and direction of work activities.
Attends training sessions as required and as per training plan.
Good knowledge of the principles and practices of agricultural conservation with emphasis on soil and water conservation related specifically to water quality and Whole Farm Planning.
Good knowledge of Agricultural Best Management Practices and their role in Whole Farm Planning.
Good knowledge of Whole Farm Planning monitoring techniques and their application.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of agricultural engineering and surveying.
Working knowledge of agricultural soils and their interrelationship with both surface and ground water quality.
Working knowledge of Whole Farm Planning project cost estimating for labor, materials and equipment.
Working knowledge of the district's overall programs, goals, policies and procedures.
Working knowledge of computer applications to Whole Farm Planning programming.
Ability to conduct level and topographic surveys.
Ability to estimate specific Best Management Practice costs in watershed agricultural projects.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Science or a closely related field; or,
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42436
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, Cont.
B) Four (4) years of professional or paraprofessional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in agricultural water quality management or a closely related field; or,
C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
8/2013 Revised