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Conservation Assistant – S&W Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 9/9/97 Amended: 8/13/02; 3/2/12; 2/9/26 CONSERVATION ASSISTANT 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: storm water management and erosion and sediment control plans, nutrient management plans, manure management plans, prescribed grazing management plans, etc.; Provides technical assistant 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; Conducts soil investigations, inventories and evaluations of natural resources and resource management activities; Collects surface and groundwater samples and other water monitoring data; Compiles resource data and maps and performs field crop scouting and other field services and data collection activities; Implements water quality and other special grant programs as required by the District Manager; Presents information /education programs related to natural resource conservation and other public outreach activities and programs as assigned; Implements assigned SWCD programs such as, the Seedling Program, Pond Stocking Programs, Soil Group Worksheets; Prepares a work report as requested and keeps daily narrative. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of agricultural operatives and practices; Working knowledge of the principles and practices of natural resources conservation; Good knowledge and experience in the use of computers and word processing; Database, and spreadsheet software; Ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs; Ability to compile data and prepare reports; Good verbal and interpersonal skills; Good organizational and time management skills; Dependable; Enthusiastic; ---PAGE BREAK--- Conservation Assistant – S&W Page 2 I 2 Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position; Mechanical aptitude; Manual dexterity; Accuracy. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Possession of an Associate Degree or higher in Natural Resource Conservation, Agricultural Technology, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field; OR Possession of a high school degree or equivalency diploma AND at least one year of 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 SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid NYS Drivers License. Failure to maintain driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal. NOTE: Your 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 your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.