AGRIC RES CONSERVATION SPECIALIST I

This recruitment is open to the public; all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

12

There are currently 12 openings, in various county (see above list) Soil Conservation Districts within the State of Maryland.

This is conservation planning work which involves knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices and methods related to the planning and installation of soil and water conservation projects and systems. Work is done in conjunction with the agricultural landowner or operator. This position assists the district in the preparation and implementation of soil conservation and water quality plans

NOTE:  These are entry-level positions, with opportunity to advance to levels II & III within the Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist series.

Learn to promote conservation programs, including planning through outreach to nonparticipating landowners (cooperators) to further improve water quality and reduce erosion through field contacts and office referrals.

Learn to inventory and evaluate practices to reduce soil erosion and to improve water quality by performing onsite evaluations, gathering field information and resource data to identify needs and resource priorities.

Develop or revise a conservation plan for the cooperator/landowner that meets their farming operation needs and priorities and promotes the wise use of natural resources which complies with guidelines or standards for a conservation plan (192).

Prepare and deliver plans that are consistent with MDA, District and NRCS priorities to meet the goals and requirements of all partners through established progress reporting systems.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

Experience: None.

Notes: 1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils, and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education.

2. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils may be substituted for the required education.

3. An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related          field and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work may be substituted for the required education. 

4. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and two additional years of experience in soil and water conservation may be substituted for the required education.

5. Candidates may substitute planning, engineering or program administration experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agricultural or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

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

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

2. Employees in certain positions in this classification may be required to become Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409).

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact:  Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov

 The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304,  50 Harry S. Truman Parkway  Annapolis, MD  21401. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.