Job Opportunities

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT  
​              
www.OCSWCD.org

 
For:                   Conservation District Technician
 
Location:        Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District  
                              6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
                              Liverpool, NY 13088
 
Distinguishing Features of the Class
 
The work involves responsibility for performing a variety of technical duties pertaining to soil and water conservation practices on public and private properties.  An employee in this class is responsible for assisting with fieldwork for agricultural, environmental and forestry projects, field surveys and in the design of conservation projects.
 
These activities and procedures will follow the general policies established by the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors.  The incumbent will be under the general direction of a Watershed Agricultural Program Manager.  Work is checked by review of plans, reports and field inspections.  Supervision is not typically a function of this position.  Does related work as required.
 
Typical Work Activities
  • Conducts engineering surveys for the design and installation of soil and water conservation projects such as contour strip cropping, diversion terraces, open drainage systems, underground drainage systems, sediment retention structures, grassed and stone-center waterways and animal waste management structures.
  • Checks the application of conservation practices during construction through on-site inspections.
  • Inspects various types of public works projects for proper adherence to plans and specifications, material requirements and testing procedures; maintains inspection records.
  • Assists with the rental of conservation tillage equipment in multiple watersheds.  Includes delivery, setup, instruct farmers on use, inspection, maintenance, tune-ups, trouble shooting, billing for service, etc.  Must be mechanically inclined and able to make general repairs; care for equipment as if equipment was purchased with personal funds.  Physical condition commensurate with demands of job.
  • Assists with whole farm planning activities to produce Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) plans on farms, including Tier I and II data collection to enroll farms into AEM, soil sampling and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) slope assessments on croplands to support development of AEM Whole Farm Plan.
  • Assists with sale and distribution of trees and shrubs.
  • Conducts inventories of forest land, develops forest management recommendations and administers sale of timber resources.
  • Conducts topographic surveys with Lasers and Total Station survey equipment for the design and installation of soil and water conservation practices.
  • Assists in the Agronomy and Conservation Planning phase of the Soil and Water Conservation District program.
  • Assists with invasive species assessments and carrying out treatment prescriptions on municipal land/trees.
  • May arrange for delivery and placement of fish in farm ponds.
  • Assists in preparing maps and specifications.
  • Assists in preparing and reviewing conservation plans and offers advice when conservation practices need maintenance.
  • Assists in preparing and maintaining district records and reports.
  • Works with citizens and /or community groups to educate or inform them about conservation topics of concern and to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints.
  • May explore and apply for grant opportunities.
  • May teach Erosion & Sediment Control Classes and inspect stormwater management / erosion & sediment control compliance on project sites
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics 
  • Working knowledge of agricultural conservation implements, including their calibration, operation, maintenance/repair, delivery and setup.
  • Working knowledge of the materials and procedures used in soil and water conservation construction projects.
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices used in the construction and maintenance of erosion and sediment control systems such as stormwater mitigation structures, retention basins, streambank protection, drainage systems, dam impoundments and similar structures.
  • Working knowledge of the proper concepts, practices and methods used when inspecting various types of public works projects.
  • Working knowledge of engineering surveying, including the use of various surveying equipment.
  • Working knowledge of seeding, fertilizing and maintain vegetation as it applies to agriculture and erosion control.
  • Ability to conduct forest inventories and develop forest management recommendations.
  • Ability to read topographical maps, air photos and engineering designs.
  • Ability to make general repairs to conservation tillage equipment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other private and public agencies, SWCD staff and the general public.
  • Ability to interpret maps, charts and graphs.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • A valid NYS Driver’s License.
 
Minimum Requirements

  1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an associate’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Conservation, Forestry, or a closely related field; OR
  1. Two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in agriculture, agronomy, forestry or the application of soil and water conservation practices; OR
  1. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
 
Salary and Benefits
 
Health and dental insurance, annual and sick leave, NYS Retirement, NYS Deferred Compensation Plan and education reimbursement.  Salary commensurate with experience.  Typical range is $31,000 - $39,000.
 
To Apply
 
This is a civil service position and the successful candidate must meet all civil service requirements including taking the civil service exam.
 
Please send your resume, letter of interest, and a list of 3 references to:
Personnel Committee – Implementation Team
Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District
6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
Liverpool, NY 13088
 
All materials must be received at the District office by 4:00 p.m. on July 8, 2019. Faxed material will not be accepted. 
​Please visit www.ocswcd.org for additional information about the District and its programs.
The Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.