Job Posting: http://www.jcswcd.org/resources/Documents/Soil%20and%20Water%20Conservat...

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN POSITION

780 Hour Position (full time/part-time/intermittent employment up to 780 hours/year)

Location: Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa City, Iowa
Contact: Joseph W. Dixon, District Conservationist

USDA – NRCS
51 Escort Lane Southwest
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 499 – 4842
joe.dixon@ia.usda.gov

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 by close of business Friday, September 21st, 2018.

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 in enrolling in the state Iowa Financial Incentives Program (IFIP) and to work with them to enhance their revegetation efforts to improve water quality and habitat.

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.
• 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
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:
• Strong background in agriculture and conservation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proficient communicator.
• Computer experience
• 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 Field Representative. Coordination of day to day activities is by the 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 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