Conservation Technician

County of Oconee•Walhalla, SC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of professional, technical and administrative duties in support of the department, including handling multiple accounts, mail, and correspondence. They plan and oversee monthly board meetings for commissioners and community members. This position provides education of natural resource conservation and preservation for students in Oconee County; provides administrative and maintenance support to watershed flood protection dams’ operations and schedules inspections for multiple conservation easements, including annual bidding for spraying and mowing; monitors and reports on 26 conservation easements and works to secure additional properties for conservation funding; provides educational and technical services to public and private entities on natural resource conservation; and provides technical assistance to public and County departments on conservation issues. The technician coordinates with various agencies to provide services and information to the community and makes presentations on conservation. They manage the Celebration of Agriculture Banquet and the Oak Grove Barn for events. This position reports directly to Oconee Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman. This position acts as the OSWCD point of contact for the public and as spokesperson for media and public relations concerning issues related to the district.

Requirements

Knowledge of basic office policies and procedures.
General accounting and grant management abilities.
Technical knowledge in watershed flood operations.
Knowledge in conservation easement operations.
Extensive abilities to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to read and interpret technical literature, instructions, procedures, and manuals.
Ability to effectively multi-task and project manage.
Knowledge in natural resources, conservation planning principles.
Associate’s Degree in Natural Resources, Business, or related field, and one (1) year of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements educational programs.
Manages scholarship fund and annual contests.
Manages watershed flood control program, coordinates and performs dam inspections and maintenance.
Acts as the point of contact for dam safety and emergency situations and maintains emergency action plans in collaboration with SC DHEC Dam Safety.
Manages conservation easement program.
Inspects and monitors multiple conservation easements.
Provides general accounting and filing of district and state records.
Manages grants, arranges audits, manages district finances, and prepares annual budget.
Serves as liaison to the OSWC Board and Beaverdam Watershed Commission.
Coordinates and leads community events including, but not limited to, Conservation Stewardship Week, Farm City Week, and Celebration of Agriculture Banquet.
Coordinates monthly, regional, and national OSWC Board meetings and Beaverdam Watershed Commission meetings.
Records minutes, produces correspondence, press releases & notices, and prepares all filings associated with district business.
Addresses concerns and questions from the public and related agencies regarding dam safety and emergency situations.
Develops and implements marketing of the District.
Provides membership, website, and social media management.
Implements strategic planning.
Develops and implements workshops, educational, and other outreach and support programs.
Manages no-till drill rental and agriculture awareness programs.
Arranges and participates in public speaking engagements.
Presents before local boards and commissions, as needed.
Continues to seek qualified parcels for protection through the District’s conservation easement program.
Coordinates use of Oak Grove 4-H Barn.
Seeks funding for renovations to the Oak Grove School building and properties.
Seeks grant funding from available sources, such as The South Carolina Conservation Bank, The Oconee County Conservation Bank, The Natural Resource Conservation Service, Upstate Forever, The Upstate Land Conservation Fund, and any other available pools to place easements, fee simple purchases, and other protections on open farm and forest, historic parcels, and sensitive environmental properties.
Assists with educational programs with the Oconee Heritage Fair, Oconee Agricultural Advisory Commission, and farmer support related activities.
Works with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to help inform and implement their protection and cost share programs such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, ACEP, and other programs that support local natural resource concerns.
Partners with Clemson Cooperative Extension Services, Farm Services Agency, and Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide technical and educational support to the public.
Engages local civic and grassroots organizations to advance conservation awareness and programs.
Manages daily office operations, including accounts, mail, and correspondence.
Monitors, maintains, and supervises work on eight district watershed dams.
Handles yearly bidding for spraying and mowing.
Makes presentations on conservation in local schools and at events such as the Foothills Farm Heritage Festival and National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Coordinates the use of Oak Grove Barn for events like weddings and reunions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.