Agronomic & Natural Resource Technician

State of Ohio • Carrollton, OH

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Carroll County SWCD is in search of passionate individuals to fill a full-time permanent Agronomic & Natural Resource Technician. This position will help to bring the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District to the forefront of agriculture in Carroll County. The primary responsibilities include education, technical assistance, and field assistance to landowners/operators and units of government, primarily in agronomic and natural resource issues. The position also aides in educational programming in Carroll County.

Requirements

• Minimum 2-year degree in agronomic or natural resource management or related field or job experience preferred.
• Experience with presenting educational programs to both adult and youth audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form; exercise sound judgement; use time and organization skills wisely, be groomed and dressed appropriately as to reflect well on Carroll SWCD; cooperate with co-workers; receive and implement instructions from the DPA and Board of Supervisors; communicate and work well with landowners without discrimination.
• Ability to operate field equipment (e.g., survey equipment, water quality monitoring equipment, GPS data collector, digital camera) with guidance and training.
• Familiarity with popular computer software (including, but not limited to, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and willingness to learn new applications.
• Must be insurable for government vehicle operation and have a valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a background check to use county and federal computer system.
• The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check.
• The recommended candidate for this position will be required to take a drug screen as part of their pre-employment approval process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with presenting educational programs to both adult and youth audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to cooperators, producers, landowners, and various government agencies addressing conservation resource concerns by conducting field surveys, evaluations, written conservation plans and nutrient management plans.
• Promote and assist in program planning, outreach and implementation of H2Ohio, MWCD Cover Crop program and all other conservation related programs.
• Lead the District’s soil testing program. Facilitate the pulling and submitting of samples and providing test results (analysis) to the producer.
• Coordinates, promotes and manages the Carroll SWCD equipment rental program. Duties include scheduling, assisting with calibration and depth settings, recording and submitting acreage planted.
• Perform preventive maintenance and deliver the rental equipment when necessary.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, monthly Board meetings and all other trainings as needed.
• Lead or assist public with tours, field days, demonstrations of equipment, test plots, best management practices, etc.
• Stays informed of all federal, state, and local laws that affect the conservation work within the Carroll District.
• Participate in and achieve certification related to agriculture conservation including the Ohio Department of Agriculture Technical Development Program Levels 1 and 2, and 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification.
• Complete training required by NRCS to become a Certified Conservation Planner.
• Assist NRCS with conservation project implementation including surveying, construction site inspections and as-builts.
• Provide leadership on conservation outreach to landowners and producers on conservation practices through articles, electronic formats and workshops.
• Prepare and maintain records, reports and forms required by SWCD, NRCS, USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA), ODA, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation District (OFSWCD) and Ohio Soil & Water Conservation Commission (OSWCC).
• Maintains contact with District cooperators, local school systems, civic groups, OSU Extension and is willing and able to discuss the District conservation programs to the general public.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the DA or Board of Supervisors.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree