CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE IV - CONTRACTUAL

The Land and Materials Administration is accepting applications for the position of Conservation Associate IV. This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies for this position/function.  The resulting cert list will be maintained for one year.  Persons interested in future vacancies within this classification must re-apply.

This position is located in the Frostburg Field Office. Candidates must be willing to work in Allegany and Garrett Counties. 

Please note that contractual positions do not offer the same State benefits as permanent position.

09

Maryland Department of the Environment

Land and Materials Administration/Mining Program, Abandoned Mine Land Division

160 South Water Street

Frostburg, MD 21532

The MDE-Abandoned Mine Lands Division operates and maintains 53 acid mine drainage treatment systems. The systems include gravity flow (passive) systems that use piping and ditches to move water through the treatment process. Other systems require electric pumps and motors to handle water and highly alkaline treatment chemicals.

The selected candidate must ensure proper functioning of the 45 passive treatment systems, carry out water sampling, field surveying, and support operation of mine drainage treatment facilities and equipment. This position also performs general office maintenance duties and tree planting in the spring. This relates to the mission of the agency by eliminating environmental degradation to streams by acid mine drainage, erosion, and promotes reforestation and productive use of mined land. This position will require the incumbent to work with staff as well as independently using an assortment of hand tools and other equipment.

This position will work in environments with the potential for encounters with bears, poisonous snakes and other potentially hazardous plants and animals. The employee performs water sampling and field work year round.  The incumbent may be required to carrying water-sampling equipment into remote areas regardless of the temperature or amount of snow. Occasionally snowshoes are required to access water sampling locations.   Employee work around heavy machinery and electrical equipment.  The incumbent may climb into silos to maintain lime dosers and often is required to use a chain saw or lift equipment and supplies. This position works around lime kiln dust, calcium oxide, hydrochloric and nitric acid.  Eye and ear protection, hard hats, and steel toe boots are used while operating power tools and around heavy equipment.

NOTE: This position, at some time, will involve all of the above conditions because the employee will be working on mined land, near heavy equipment, and bodies of water.  This position performs field work throughout the year and is, therefore, exposed to all weather conditions in remote and steep terrain.

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. 

• Experience operating and repairing acid mine drainage treatment systems, especially lime dosing machines and in-ground earthen structures that treat acid mine drainage discharges;
• Capability to plan and completed daily work schedules independently;
• Experience performing preventative maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment and natural structures in wet environments and inclement weather;
• Experience working outdoors in remote areas for extended periods in all kinds of weather;
• Experience operating four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in difficult and steep terrain under all weather conditions.

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.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

The MD Department of the Environment does not sponsor individuals in the application of the H-1B Visa.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act.  You must be legally authorized and possess any necessary documents under this Act in order to be hired in the position for which you apply.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program (the Program), have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents.  As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

The online application is STRONGLY preferred. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the state application. If you are unable to apply online or encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation you may submit a paper application, required documentation, transcripts and addendums via fax 410-537-3966, email: peggie.jefferson@maryland.gov or mail to:

Peggie Jefferson

Office of Human Resources

Recruitment and Examination Division

Reference Number:19-002782-0002

1800 Washington Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21230

(Office) 410-537-3879

The MD State Application Form can be found online.

PLEASE NOTE: The Maryland Department of the Environment participates in the E-Verify Program.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.