CONSERVATION DISTRICT TECHNICIAN 69100

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for performing a variety of technical duties pertaining to soil and water conservation practices on public and private properties. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting with fieldwork for agricultural, environmental and forestry projects, field surveys and in the design of conservation projects. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Watershed Agricultural Project Manager. Work is checked by review of plans, reports and field inspections. Supervision is not typically a function of this position. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Assists with invasive species assessments and carrying out treatment prescriptions on municipal land/trees.

Conducts inventories of forest land, develops forest management recommendations and administers sale of timber resources.

Conducts topographic surveys with Laser Levels and Total Station survey equipment for the design and installation of soil and water conservation practices.

Conducts engineering surveys for the design and installation of soil and water conservation projects such as contour strip cropping, diversion terraces, open drainage systems, underground drainage systems, sediment retention structures, grassed and stone-center waterways and animal waster management structures.

Checks the application of conservation practices during construction through on-site inspections.

Inspects various types of public works projects for proper adherence to plans and specifications, material requirements and testing procedures; maintains inspection records.

Assists with whole farm planning activities to produce Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) plans on farms, including Tier I and II data collection to enroll farms into AEM, soil sampling and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) slope assessments on croplands to support development of AEM Whole Farm Plan.
Assists in the Agronomy and Conservation Planning phase of the Soil and Water Conservation District program.

Assists with the rental of conservation tillage equipment in multiple watersheds, including delivery, setup, instructing farmers on use, inspection, maintenance, tune-ups, troubleshooting, billing for service, etc.

Assist with the implementation of municipal storm water management programs,

Assist with critical area revegetation projects,

May arrange for delivery and placement of fish in farm ponds.

Assists with sale and distribution of trees and shrubs.

Assists in preparing maps and specifications.

Assists in preparing and reviewing conservation plans and offers advice when conservation practices need maintenance.

Assists in preparing and maintaining district records and reports.

Works with citizens and/or community groups to educate or inform them about conservation topics of concern and to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints.

May explore and apply for grant opportunities.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of forest dendrology, silviculture, and mensuration,

Good knowledge of agricultural conservation implements, including their calibration, operation, maintenance/repair, delivery and setup.

Working knowledge of the materials and procedures used in soil and water conservation construction projects.

Working knowledge of the principles and practices used in the construction and maintenance of erosion and sediment control systems such as stormwater mitigation structures, retention basins, streambank protection, drainage systems, dam impoundments and similar structures.

Working knowledge of the proper concepts, practices and methods used when inspecting various types of public works projects.

Working knowledge of storm water management rules, regulations, and best management practices,

Working knowledge of engineering surveying, including the use of various surveying equipment.

Working knowledge of seeding, fertilizing and maintaining vegetation as it applies to agriculture and erosion control.

Ability to conduct forest inventories and develop forest management recommendations.

Ability to read topographical maps, air photos and engineering designs.

Ability to make general repairs to conservation tillage equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other private and public agencies, SWCD staff and the general public.

Ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to following written and oral instructions.

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A) Graduation with an Associate’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Conservation , Agricultural Science, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Conservation, Forestry, or a closely related field; or,

 

B) Two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in agronomy, forestry, the application of soil and water conservation practices, or in the management or operation of an agricultural concern.

 

 

 

Date Revised: 01/2014