AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (AEM) PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Columbia County Soil & Water Conservation District is accepting applications for an Agricultural Environmental Management Program (AEM) Specialist. This is a full time (40 hour/week), non-remote position. The appointment will be temporary until the incumbent takes and passes an appropriate civil service examination; job description pending Civil Service adoption.

LOCATION: Columbia County Soil & Water Conservation District (Ghent, NY)

CLASSIFICATION: Competitive

SALARY: $50,000-$60,000

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is technical work involving the responsibility for assisting the Conservation District Executive Director in the planning and administration of the NYS Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program within the County. The incumbent works closely with, and may assist, other staff personnel on District projects as needed. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Conservation District Executive Director. Supervision of others is generally not required of the position. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Implements the District AEM Program involving data collection and the development of AEMPlans;
• Provides technical assistance to landowners, groups and units of government including evaluation, survey, design cost estimates, layout, implementation, and construction inspection of soil and water conservation practices according to USDA-NRCS standards and specifications;
• Conducts soil investigations, inventories and evaluations of natural resource and managementactivities on farms;
• Visits farms and works directly with operators to determine specific agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) for control of nonpoint source pollution;
• Analyzes and comments on potential land use projects and programs as they relate to soil, waterand other natural resources;
• Assist with the development of proposals and performs activities required for the implementation of water quality and other special grant programs as required by the Executive Director;
• Works cooperatively with staff from other Districts to efficiently carry out the AEM program;
• Supports other District Programs, including but not limited to Equipment Rental, Tree and Shrub Sale,as defined by the Executive Director;
• Keeps daily work narrative;• Assist with educational outreach programs such as Envirothon, county fair, etc.;
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Conservation District Executive Director.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of surveying and the ability to use survey equipment to conduct level and topographic surveys; Working knowledge of BMP design, construction layout, and construction inspectiontechniques; Working knowledge of agricultural soils and their interrelations with both surface and groundwater quality; Good knowledge of the principles and practices of agricultural resource conservation with emphasis on soil and water conservation related specifically to water quality; Goodknowledge and understanding of Agricultural BMP as they relate to nonpoint source mitigation; Good verbal communication skills, listening skills, and ability to work as a team member; Ability to maintain records and prepare reports; Ability to work independently toward common goals of the District; Physical condition commensurate with demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(Either):A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university withbachelor’s degree in hydrology, environmental science, natural resources conservation,agriculture, or closely related field; AND two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time and/orvolunteer) work experience in natural resources conservation, nutrient management,agricultural environmental management, or closely related field; (2) OR

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university withan associate’s degree as indicated in AND four (4) years of full-time (or equivalent part-timeand/or volunteer) work experience in natural resources conservation, nutrientmanagement,agricultural environmental management, or closely related field; OR

C. Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and six (6) years of fulltime (or equivalent part-time and/or volunteer) work experience as indicated in (b); OR

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in (a), (b) and (c) sufficient toindicate ability to do the work.SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must possess a valid driver’s license to complete work assignments.