Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
Applies conservation and preservation principles and practices in support of the management of the state's natural resources which includes such activities as propagating, seeding, transplanting, cultivating, harvesting and care of trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns and crops to include turf/grounds management, pest management, herbicide/fertilizer application, layout and design, assessment of soil composition and environmental conditions.
Performs maintenance and repairs in a variety of labor/trades fields such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, welding, construction, grounds maintenance and assists higher level personnel on large scale projects.
Operates marine, land-based and construction equipment and vehicles.
Maintains and repairs a variety of equipment/vehicles.
Provides information to the public as requested or responds to inquiries regarding agency initiatives/programs.
Ensures the safe usage of state owned, managed, and/or maintained grounds and facilities by the public.
Completes standard forms/applications; maintains records and reports detailing daily activity, tool and equipment inventory, fuel and service logs and related activities.
Levels of Work
Conservation Technician I
This level describes entry into the series.
Assignments are structured and performed under close supervision.
Applies principles/practices and methods/techniques to basic natural resources conservation/preservation activities.
Operates and maintains basic equipment /vehicles such as tractors, dump trucks, a variety of mowers and outboard motor boats.
Performs less complex labor/trades; may assist technical superior in complex trades.
Learns the operation of complex equipment and under close supervision operates some of the complex equipment.
Performs routine preventative maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and tools such as fueling; lubrication including changing oil and greasing parts, tests for fluid levels and charge; checks, repairs and/or replaces various standard parts and assemblies such as alternators, wiper blades, fan belts, spark plugs, lights, and ignition systems.
Contacts are typically to respond to general public inquiries.
Conservation Technician II
This describes the full performance level.
Receives less supervisory guidance and direction than at I level.
Applies principles/practices and methods/techniques to complex natural resources conservation/preservation activities.
Operates complex equipment such as bulldozer, front end loader, backhoe, forklift, airboat, tugboat, drills, planters, fire and snow plows.
Performs journey level trades work.
May oversee seasonals, inmates, community service workers and volunteers.
Performs complex equipment repairs such as inspects and diagnoses malfunctions of motorized equipment,
Performs engine tune-ups, basic engine repairs.
May provide input in planning and overseeing small projects.
Learns applicable laws, rules and regulations
Contacts are typically to respond to general public and state agency inquiries and answer general questions regarding work activities.
Conservation Technician III
This describes advanced level work.
Receives general supervision involving periodic review of work in progress and end results.
Proficient in the application of principles/practices and methods/techniques to a wide variety of complex natural resources conservation/preservation activities.
Proficient in the operation of complex equipment, placement of equipment and limitations/capability of equipment within certain environmental conditions.
Performs advanced trades work.
Provides input to management on the design/layout of projects and recommends modifications based on application of the principles/practices and methods and techniques of natural resources conservation/preservation.
Project leader on small projects.
Trains new/less experienced personnel in complex conservation/preservation methods/ practices and in equipment operation, placement of equipment and limitations of equipment within certain environments.
May supervise lower level technicians and oversee seasonals, inmates, volunteers, etc.
Proficient in complex repairs of equipment and may assist higher level mechanics on major repairs/overhauls.
Ensures that all activities comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
May learn the operation of the most complex equipment and under supervision operates most complex equipment.
Contacts are typically to answer questions/inquires and explain applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies to the public and state agency staff regarding on-going projects/activities.
Conservation Technician IV
This level describes crew leader OR project team leader OR first line supervisors.
Primary focus at this level is in a specialty area of natural resources such as horticulture, agriculture, forestry, wildlife habitat management or open water management or implementing complex projects and operating the most complex equipment.
Review of work typically occurs after completion of project or when problems or exceptions occur.
Crew/project leaders are accountable for work production, monitoring progress and work flow, ensuring work is completed, scheduling work, establishing work standards, evaluating equipment/maintenance needs and ensuring that projects comply with applicable permits, laws, rules and regulations.
First line supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules that includes positions up to Level III. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, and recommending hire/fire, discipline. Supervision must include responsibility, as needed, for providing documentation to support recommended corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals and resolving informal grievances.
Project team leaders operate the most complex equipment such as hydraulic dredges, cranes, macroalgae harvesters and amphibious excavators and oversees and understands complex repair methods/techniques and may review and recommend the appropriateness of cost estimates and work schedules.
Provides input to management on project planning and implements management plans/projects based on application of the principles/practices and methods/techniques of natural resources conservation/preservation; recommends modifications to plans/projects based on field/environmental conditions.
Contacts are typically to answer questions/inquires and explain applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies to the public regarding on-going projects/activities and with other agency staff to resolve compliance problems/issues and to explain needed modifications to plans/projects.
Conservation Technician V
This is the advanced supervisory level. Positions at this level must supervise staff involved in the operation of the most complex equipment or in carrying out complex natural resources initiatives/projects in a wide variety of areas such as agriculture/horticulture/arboriculture, advanced building/construction trades, grounds/turf management, complex equipment operation and maintenance/repair.
Incumbents report to an administrative superior for review of work plans, work progress and budgetary matters.
Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire, discipline. Supervision must include responsibility, as needed, for providing documentation to support recommended corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals and resolving informal grievances.
Participates with management in planning, prioritizing and implementing complex projects including layout, design, materials, equipment and resources and provides input to management in preparation of budget proposals for all levels of projects.
Ensures work performed is in compliance with natural resources conservation and preservation principles/practices, applicable laws, rules and regulations and safety policies and procedures.
Incumbents may also have responsibility for operating the most complex equipment.
Contacts are typically to answer questions/inquires and explain applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies to the public regarding on-going projects/activities and with other agency staff to resolve compliance problems/issues and to explain budgetary needs.
Conservation Technician Manager
This is the project/program management level. This is the top technical level in applying natural resources preservation, conservation and management principles and practices, policies and procedures in managing projects/programs including the development /implementation of short and long range plans/projects.
Prepares project/program budgets based on proposed and anticipated operating expenses including estimates for cost, time and materials (equipment and supplies) and contractual work.
Administers contracts including such activities as writing specifications, reviewing bids and awarding contracts, monitoring contractor work, approving changes and payments.
Responds to public comments and inquiry regarding natural resource issues.
Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of technical, contractual, seasonal and related staff in the management of programs/projects.
Contacts are typically with the general public, professional organizations, agency staff, outside agencies and contractors regarding on-going projects/activities, to resolve compliance problems/issues and to review/explain contract terms/specifications, project/program goals and objectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, goals and objectives of natural resources conservation, preservation, and management activities.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques in applying natural resources preservation, conservation and management principles and practices.
Knowledge of plant and animal life and agricultural/horticultural/arboricultural practices.
Knowledge of the applicable natural resources and environmental rules, regulations and laws including safety regulations.
Knowledge of chemical control, application and materials.
Knowledge of routine preventative equipment and tool maintenance.
Knowledge of the safe and efficient operation of basic marine, land-based and construction equipment operated on unstable terrain.
Skill in less complex trades.
Skill in the use of hand and machine tools.
Ability to read and comprehend technical material including schematics.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
Ability to prepare records and reports.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Conservation Technician II requires:
Skill in complex trades.
Skill in complex equipment maintenance.
Ability to perform work at the lead level.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Conservation Technician III requires:
Skill in the safe and efficient operation of marine, land-based and construction equipment operated on unstable terrain.
Skill in advanced equipment repairs.
Skill in the application of natural resources laws, rules and regulations in land and/or water based construction projects.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Conservation Technician IV requires:
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of construction.
Knowledge of supervision.
Skill in operating heavy equipment and staging requirements for equipment.
Skill in the applicable natural resources area of specialty.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Conservation Technician V requires:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management.
Knowledge of project planning and design.
Knowledge of estimating time, material and costs.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Conservation Technician Manager requires:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of program/project management.
Knowledge of budget preparation and contract administration.
Skill in estimating time, materials and costs.
Skill in interpreting blueprints and schematics.
Skill in program/project planning and design.
Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Conservation Technician I Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
Department of Agriculture:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining light and heavy farming, construction equipment and hand power tools.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Department of Health and Social Services:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment and hand tools.
Knowledge of performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
Office of Management and Budget, Department of Transportation, Department of State:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment and hand tools.
Knowledge of plant life, horticulture or arboriculture such as plant growth, pest or disease control, groundskeeping or landscaping.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: Coastal Program:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment and hand tools.
Knowledge of operating and maintaining small motor marine vessels, canoes and kayaks.
Knowledge of performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
Knowledge of land stewardship, plant life, pest or disease control, invasive species identification and management.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: Field Operations:
Knowledge of operating hand power tools and land-based and/or marine-based construction equipment used for grading, excavating, pumping, or dredging.
Knowledge of routine maintenance of land and marine construction equipment, light trucks and vessels.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: Division of Parks:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and groundskeeping equipment and hand tools.
Knowledge of performing a variety of groundskeeping, mechanical, and building maintenance trades work.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: Regional Operations:
Knowledge of operating and maintaining equipment such as farming equipment, construction equipment, trucks, boats, or small motor equipment.
Knowledge of maintenance trades such as grounds keeping, mechanical, building, or general carpentry.
Knowledge of land management activities such as land stewardship, farming practices, invasive species identification and control, herbicide applications, or prescribed burning.
Knowledge of record keeping.
Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
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