State of Maryland

A Soil Conservation Engineering Technician is the full performance level of technical and planning work in soil and water conservation engineering.  Employees in this classification assist regional and local professional Soil Conservation Engineering conservationists in planning, designing, recommending and implementing soil and water conservation practices, such as agricultural waste management systems, roof runoff management systems, poultry waste storage structures, remote watering structures, shallow water control structures, shallow water wetlands, and contour cropping systems.  Employees in this classification perform technical engineering tasks at an advanced level of proficiency and exercise independent judgment within broad guidelines and under limited supervision.  Employees in this classification apply methods and techniques of engineering, soil and water conservation principles and practices, in addition to performing the most difficult of subprofessional engineering duties, assist professional employees in planning, recommending and implementing conservation activities in one or more soil conservation districts.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may assist in the training and guidance of Soil Conservation Associates and Planners.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Soil Conservation Engineer, Resource Conservation District Supervisor, Resource Conservation Regional Coordinator, or other designated employees.  Work effectiveness of employees in this classification is determined by review of completed assignments and the soundness of recommended actions.  Work assignments may be conducted outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Selects and applies designs for conservation engineering practices using best management practices (BMPs);

Works with landowners, operators and contractors in recommending or applying conservation practices;

Oversees the engineering and construction of structural conservation projects;

Checks construction of standardized conservation projects in progress or when complete;

Evaluates and proposes solutions to drainage and soil-related problems for individuals, groups of other units of government;

Makes topographic surveys;

Records complete survey information and plots topographic and cross section information;

Performs conservation planning duties, such as inventory and evaluation of land and farm operator, preparing and delivering maps and preparing finished plans;

Performs the design and layout of conservation practices, such as terraces, diversions, drainage ditches, irrigation systems, earth dams, land leveling, grade stabilization or other water control structures;

Performs electronic total station survey and develop design of BMPs using CAD software to assist cooperator with the installation of soil conservation and water quality improvement projects; 

May coordinate work for Public Drainage Associations (PDAs) or Public Watershed Associations (PWAs);

May oversee the work of survey parties and technicians;

May lead survey projects or other technical projects or programs;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles;

Knowledge of land surveying;

Knowledge of elementary engineering methods relative to the planning of soil and water conservation agronomic and structural projects;

Knowledge of basic agricultural terminology;

Knowledge of cropping and farming systems;

Knowledge of algebra and geometry;

Knowledge of soil and water engineering design principles;

Skill in the application of engineering practices in the areas of inventory, evaluation, design, and construction;

Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications;

Ability to review technical engineering designs;

Ability to develop plans for conservation practices;

Ability to compose simple and complex drawings;

Ability to perform routine computations;

Ability to complete designs using AutoCAD, Carlson and/or Civil 3D, and GIS systems such as Arc View, Arc Map, and Property View at the fully proficient level;

Ability to communicate with Engineers, Architects, Conservationists, landowners and others involved in soil and water conservation projects;

Ability to train and provide guidance to other employees;

Ability to work with other employees, contractors and the general public;

Ability to conduct public meetings or hearings.

Experience: Two years of experience in the field of soil conservation engineering.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of sixty credit hours in agricultural or civil engineering courses from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in soil conservation classification or soil conservation specialty codes in the natural resources management and biological sciences field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B, Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.