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Natural Resource Conservation – S&W Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 7/09/01 Amended: 8/30/01; 3/2/12 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is technical work involving responsibility for assisting the Soil and Water Conservation District Manager with all aspects of the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District programs. The employee performs a variety of technical duties related to the establishment of conservation practices concerning land and water on public and private properties. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Soil and Water Conservation District Manager. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Implements agricultural and environmental management and planning programs involving data collection and the development of Best Management Practice recommendations; Prepares natural resource conservation plans for public and private properties including: stormwater management and erosion and sediment control plans, nutrient management plans, manure management plans, prescribed grazing management plans, etc.; Provides technical assistance to landowners, groups, and units of local government including surveys, reducing and plotting survey notes, engineering designs, cost estimates, layout, implementation, and construction inspection of soil and water conservation practices; Provides technical assistance to communities with regard to addressing natural; resource concerns and in developing and implementing local legislation, rules and regulations to monitor and protect natural resources; Conducts soil investigations, inventories and evaluations of natural resources and resource management activities; Prepares permit applications as needed; Analyzes and makes recommendations on potential land use projects and programs as they relate to soil, water, and other natural resources and assists District Manager with new program development; Identifies potential funding sources, assists with development of grant proposals and performs activities required for the initiation and implementation of water quality and other special grant programs and projects, including progress reports, as required by the District Manager; Attends functions and meetings, serves on committees on behalf of the Soil and Water Conservation District, and interacts with other natural resource organizations, agencies, and at activities in Cortland County or the region, to facilitate cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies; Collects surface and groundwater samples and other water monitoring data; Presents information/education programs related to natural resource conservation and other public outreach activities and programs as assigned; Coordinates and implements assigned SWCD programs such as, the Seedling Program, Pond Stocking Programs, and Soil Group Worksheets; Prepares work reports as required and keeps daily narrative. ---PAGE BREAK--- Natural Resource Conservation – S&W Page 2 I 2 FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of agricultural operatives and practices; Good knowledge of the principles and practices of natural resource conservation and Best Management Practices for erosion control, water quality, and water management; Working knowledge of public or business administration and personnel management; Good knowledge and experience in the use of computers and word processing; Ability to interpret maps, charts, graphs; Ability to compile data and prepare reports; Good verbal and interpersonal skills; Good organization and time management skills; Dependable; Enthusiastic; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position; Mechanical aptitude; Manual dexterity; Accuracy. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field and one year experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture, construction, environmental management, engineering or related field; OR Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college with an Associate Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Technology, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field and three years experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture, construction, environmental management, engineering or related field; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of and above. NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of valid NYS Driver’s License at time of appointment. Failure to maintain driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.