SOIL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE II

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

ASTD12

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

This work involves a knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices and methods and engineering related to the planning and installation of soil and water conservation projects and systems. Technical work involves survey, design, layout, and construction check of project installation. Work is done in conjunction with the agricultural landowner or operator.

NOTE:  These are intermediate level positions, with opportunity to advance to level III within the Soil Conservation Associate series.

Perform site evaluations for cooperators on agricultural land to address soil and water conservation needs, by meeting with individual landowners and gathering site specific information necessary for BMP selection.

Perform site specific survey in areas where a BMP is needed that collects all necessary data points, able to set up and utilize survey equipment and keep Cons-6 notes current and up to date in project folder.

Develop design of BMPs to assist cooperator with the installation of soil conservation and water quality improvement projects based on USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications or other approved guidelines.

Supervise and track onsite construction of BMPs to assure adherence to approved plans and specifications through the use of site visits, survey, spot checks, inspections that meet the required guidelines set forth in the design manual of the USDA, NRCS, or other approved manuals.

Determine BMP eligibility for Maryland Agricultural Cost Share (MACS) funding for Capital projects and/or co-cost sharing with partner cost-share programs for the abatement of non-point source (NPS) pollution by agricultural sources.

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

Experience: One year of experience related to soil and water conservation in such areas as surveying, drafting, construction, or agricultural work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute one year of additional experience as defined above for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute education at an accredited college or university at a rate of 30 credit hours per year with at least nine credit hours of course work in engineering, construction, drafting, surveying, science, agronomy, or mathematics or any combination of the above for the required experience.

3. 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.

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.

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.