Job description

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
780 Hour Position (full time/part-time/intermittent employment up to 780 hours/year)

Location: Dallas County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Field Office, Adel, IA

Hours: Up to 40 hours per week (no overtime). Number of openings: (1) One
Closes: Send cover letter and resume by email to the contact listed by close of business Oct 17, 2022.

Job Description:
The Soil and Water Conservation Technician provides technical support to the local Soil and Water Conservation District. Works collaboratively with IDALS staff, federal staff, and partners in an effort to promote state, federal, and local conservation programs. Works with private landowners to assist with the understanding and enrollment in the federal conservation reserve program (CRP) and to work with them to enhance their efforts to improve water quality and habitat and leverage of related state and federal cost-share assistance programs.

Duties:
Under the direct supervision of professionals, this employee will complete the technical design and layout of conservation practices according to state and/or NRCS standards and specifications.

Develops soil and water conservation plans and identifies practices that protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources.

• Displays a strong grasp of state and federal conservation programs available to landowners.

• Advises landowners on conservation practice options that address natural resource concerns on their land.

• Explains programs and technical and financial options available to landowners in an effort to address the resource concerns.

• Provides technical support to the conservation planners by collecting data and utilizing tools and equipment available through the field office.

• Schedules field visits, completes on-site inspections, conducts preliminary surveys, and cost estimates for conservation practice installation

• Completes layout, design, and checkout of conservation practices such as terraces, waterways, and cover crops using survey equipment and computer programs.
• Oversees contractor construction and inspects completed practices for compliance with standards and specifications

• Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors
• Provides courteous, impartial service to all landowners, operators, and contractors in carrying out soil and water conservation programs.
• Assists with outreach and education activities to interested landowners and operators regarding the benefits of conservation practices with a focus upon those practices that most benefits water quality.

• Maintains good working relationships with co-workers promoting a high level of productivity.

• Attends required state and federal meetings and completes required training necessary to retain competencies for the position.

• Ability to produce work products using Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in agriculture and conservation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proficient communicator.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and display high standards of ethical conduct.

SUPERVISION This position is under supervision of the Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDAL’S) Field Representative. Coordination of day to day activities is by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) District/Soil Conservationist who will assist in resolving any conflicts in assignments. This position does not supervise other employees.

PERFORMANCE Performance of this position will be reviewed regularly by the IDALS Field Representative. Successful applicants may require a federal background check and clearance to gain full access to Federal computer and online tools.

COMPENSATION Salary range is $15-$25/hr. commensurate on experience

Essential Functions:

• Ability to walk over slippery, wet, or uneven terrain
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Correctable vision and hearing impairment

Contact: Tracy Bruun, Field Representative
IDALS/Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-7818 Fax: 515-281-6170

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Adel, IA 50003: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Experience:

• Natural Resources Conservation: 1 year (Preferred)
• Agriculture: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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