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AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SPECIALIST III

Agricultural Assessment Planner

Recruitment #22-000521-0002

Introduction

Maryland Department of Agriculture Resource Conservation program is looking for an experienced Agricultural Resources Conservation Specialist III.  This is a regional position that will play a critical role in providing support to soil conservation districts in Western Maryland by working with farmers to provide on-farm assessment and education on management issues regarding the implementation of best management practices related to compliance with nutrient management regulations.

GRADE

ASTD16

LOCATION OF POSITION

Office of Resource Conservation/Western Maryland
92 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 110, Frederick, MD  21702

Main Purpose of Job

The Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III position is responsible for investigating and coordinating rapid response to address compliance issues resulting from complaints received involving agricultural operations.  In addition to providing support to soil conservation districts in carrying out MDA programs including cover crop, manure transport and manure incorporation, and for various other MDA initiatives.

POSITION DUTIES

Respond to Ag complaints in Western Maryland by coordinating with MDE and local soil conservation districts to resolve cases of water pollution caused by agriculture.

Review soil conservation water quality plans to identify nutrient management related BMPs, field verify and geospatially document these practices and identify areas where these practices may be needed.

Conduct outreach activities to educate landowners and farm operators about MDA and Soil Conservation District initiatives and to raise awareness about regulations related to protection of water quality.  Outreach activities include but are not limited to creation of printed materials, site visits, assisting with organization of field days and participating in other agricultural events.

Assist soil conservation districts in Western Maryland with carrying out activities associated with Maryland Agricultural Cost Share for cover crop including completing applications and verifying plantings.

Assist soil conservation districts in Western Maryland with carrying out activities associated with Maryland Agricultural Cost Share (MACS) for manure transport and manure incorporation (when funded).

Submit quarterly and annual reports regarding complaint activity and progress on complaint resolution and MACS cost share activities related to cover crop, manure transport and manure incorporation. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Four years of experience, two years of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality and an additional two years of experience in soil and water conservation work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of 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 for the additional two years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field and two years of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of 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 for the additional two years of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field for the required experience.

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 experience.

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.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This recruitment is open to the public.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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).

SELECTION PROCESS

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.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application 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). 

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. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers at 410-841-5842 or stacey.summers@maryland.gov.




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