Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking an Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III to assist in the implementation and management of the Manure Transport and Maryland Cover Crop Programs. This role involves developing policies and procedures, processing applications and claims for cost-sharing assistance, evaluating funding sources, and communicating with private landowners, Conservation District personnel, and representatives from other state and federal agencies. The position also includes generating on-farm status review lists, coordinating with Soil Conservation Districts (SCDs), participating in Quality Assurance Reviews and Spot Checks, tracking results, and providing training to Field Offices to address system problems. The MDA's Cover Crop Program aims to provide farmers with grants for planting small grains to conserve nutrients, control soil erosion, and protect water quality. This position offers an opportunity to help farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that promote healthy natural resources.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field.
Two years of experience in planning, engineering or program administration work related to soil conservation or water quality.
Possession of a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Nice To Haves

2 years of experience in developing complex conservation plans for farming operations, having achieved the qualifications for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409) planning certification.
1 year of experience in administering conservation cost share programs or planning or implementing Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
1 year of experience in preparing or reviewing grant applications.
1 year of experience in data entry of contract and project management transactions in Salesforce CRM Enterprise Edition.
Current Nutrient Management Certification.
Employees in certain positions in this classification may be required to become Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409).

Responsibilities

Assist in the overall implementation and management of the Manure Transport and Maryland Cover Crop Programs.
Participate in the development of policies and procedures.
Receive, evaluate, and process applications for cost sharing assistance.
Evaluate proper sources of funds for the project.
Communicate status with private landowners/operators, Conservation District personnel, and representatives from other state and federal agencies.
Receive, evaluate, and process claims for payment.
Generate on-farm status review lists.
Transmit and communicate with Soil Conservation District (SCD’s) offices.
Participate in the Quality Assurance Reviews, and Spot Checks.
Track results and provide and coordinate training in the Field Offices as necessary to correct system problems.
Review and determine eligibility of farmers’ applications for Manure Transport and Cover Crop.
Examine agreement and claim for payment files for completeness and sufficient legal documentation.
Utilize available handbooks as the guide for the examination of necessary documentation.
Communicate directly with the local Soil Conservation District office to explain any deficiencies and the steps necessary to resolve such.
Assemble grant agreement and Claim for Payment packages and arrange weekly mailings to SCD’s and landowners.
Deal tactfully and responsively, primarily by phone, with farmers and local, state, and federal employees.
Provide guidance, in the form of written correspondence, to the Soil Conservation Districts.
Monitor grantee compliance with Cost share Program requirements including but not limited to NM cross compliance with MACS status.
Maintain a lot of files that are incomplete due to missing or inaccurate information and contact SCD’s on a weekly basis with follow-up questions regarding these files.
Communicate daily via phone, fax, email, and written correspondence with Soil Conservation District (SCD) staff for the purpose of obtaining necessary documentation for individual projects.
Prepare written replies to correspondence from SCD’s grantees, or others inquiring about Program policies or about questions on specific projects.
Perform detailed reviews of routine paperwork on a continuing basis.
Provide information about various cost share programs to SCD’s, farmers’ groups, environmental groups, staff of state and federal agencies and other interested parties.
Explain Program requirements and procedures as a representative of the Department and describe Program accomplishments by phone and in writing.
Maintain and update custom applicator database.
Contact custom applicators to acquire current contact information and availability.
Participate in the Quality Assurance Review process and review files in the local SCD’s during such reviews.
Attend field visits during review to see MACS projects in the field, complete a standard review form for each project visited.
Make recommendations to the program administrator regarding modifications of Program policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
Conduct detailed studies and complex analyses of ongoing cost share program activity from inception to the present and prepare statistical tables, charts, and final reports.
Prepare mailing to applicants and local SCD’s during sign-up period.
Manage and track denial or cancellation of agreement for additional follow-up.