PROGRAM SPECIALIST, HEALTHY SOILS PROGRAM

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch.  Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation.  As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.   

ASTD16

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, Maryland

Position serves as the Conservation Specialist independently leading the delivery of the Maryland Healthy Soils Program which involves a working knowledge of soil water conservation principles, practices, and methods related to the planning and installation of conservation practices that achieve water quality and soil health benefits. Work is done in conjunction with Soil Conservation Districts (SCDs) and key partners provide grants to farmers for the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their farms to protect water quality and improve soil health. This position will administer program procedures to receive, evaluate, and process applications for cost sharing assistance; evaluate proper source of funds for the project; communicate status with private landowners/operators, SCD personnel representatives from other state and federal agencies; and process claims for payment. Maintain Training and Field Assessment skills consistent with curricula developed by MDA.

Reviews and determines eligibility of applicants to install BMPs (Best Management Practices) or eligible projects under the Maryland Healthy Soils Program.  Examines agreement and claim for payments files for completeness and sufficient documentation utilizing state law and internal operating policies as guidance.  Assembles grant agreement and Claim for Payment packages and arranges distribution.  Makes recommendations to the Program Manager regarding policies, procedures, standards and regulations.  Deals tactfully and responsively with farmers and conservation staff at Soil Conservation Districts.

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

Experience: Two years of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality.

Notes:

1. 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 required education.

2. 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 education and one year of the required experience.

3. 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 for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute 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 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.    

Preference will be given to applicants who possess any of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

 

§  Experience in identifying and recommending conservation practices for a farm. 

§  Completed college coursework in Soil Science.

§  Experience and working knowledge in soil health principles as it relates to agricultural conservation.

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.

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.

Bargaining Unit B

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) 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).

 

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5842 or stacey.summers@maryland.gov.  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.