State of Maryland

A Conservation Associate IV is specialized full performance level subprofessional technical work in the field of natural resources.  Employees in this classification assist in preparing work plans, provide instruction and guidance to lower-level Conservation Associates, prepare detailed reports, as well as provide experienced assistance to Scientists or Engineers especially involving specialized or more complicated projects.  Employees are expected to learn and perform aspects of work normally performed by a professional, as well as subprofessional duties.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may be responsible for guidance and orientation of lower-level personnel.

Employees in this classification receives general supervision from a Scientist, Engineer or higher-level Conservation Associate.  Employees may receive technical supervision in the performance of new or unusual job assignments. Work performance is evaluated based on project completion, implementation of work schedules, ability to work independently and to assume new responsibilities or overcome local problems as developed.

Positions in this classification are evaluated 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.

Conducts biological, physical, chemical, or related field survey work involving study of populations of aquatic animals and plants or water quality analysis;

Assists Scientists or Engineers in planning large scale or specialized surveys, investigations or research projects;

Conducts investigations of routine complaints of water pollution from industries and municipalities;

Prepares cases involving the violation of water pollution laws and regulations;

Supervises large groups of contractors engaged in shell planting, seed oyster planting, seed oyster harvesting and freighting activity;

Conducts surveys of planting areas to determine the safest and most productive area for oyster planting and planting of oyster shell, clamshell, slag or other material;

Assists in the clean-up and containment of oil spills, both on land and water;

Conducts operations of drilling equipment and performs pumping tests for the purposes of evaluating groundwater conditions and supplies;

Performs preventive maintenance and maintains inventory records of supplies and equipment used in the performance of assigned duties;

Assembles and organizes survey data and may offer suggestions to the responsible scientist or engineer;

May serve on or supervise a survey party for the purpose of evaluating subsurface conditions of floodplain delineation studies;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of natural resources conservation principles and practices, methods and procedures;

Knowledge of the geography of the State;

Knowledge of the principles of surveying and mapping;

Knowledge of the elementary practices of safe handling of small row or motor boats;

Knowledge of fundamental methods of measurement of distance volume, weight, and speed;

Knowledge of basic care of field equipment;

Knowledge of census and survey techniques as applied to fish;

Knowledge of the State fish laws and pollution laws;

Ability to organize field inspector work, analyze inspection problems and develop effective work practices;

Ability to work harmoniously with associates, contractors and the general public;

Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications;

Ability to make routine calculations and tabulate data clearly and concisely;

Ability to prepare routine reports;

Ability to carry out special investigations and projects;

Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather;

Ability to communicate;

Ability to oversee the work of other employees as necessary.

Education:   An Associate of Arts degree or sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least eighteen credit hours in physical or biological science, engineering, or natural resources related course work.

Experience: One year as a Conservation Associate III in the Maryland State Service.

                                                                                     OR

Three years of full-time subprofessional technical experience in the natural resource fields or engineering.

                                                                                     OR

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Five years of full-time subprofessional technical experience in the natural resources fields or engineering.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute completion of a State of Maryland sponsored Water Sewer Operators training course for one year of the required experience.

2. Applicants may substitute thirty credit hours, including nine hours in physical or biological science, engineering or natural resources related course work for one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources Management classifications or Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources Management specialty codes in the Engineering or Natural Resources field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties may be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Some positions in this classification may require employees to possess a valid Class A Maryland driver’s license prior to appointment.

1. Candidates must be willing to travel and be available for work in any part of the State, subject to required changes of work assignments.

2. Employees in this classification may be required to reside in the assigned region, county, or area.

3. Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the individual to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

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 the 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.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.