District Support Specialist

State of Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

12d

About The Position

The District Support Specialist serves soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in northeastern Indiana, covering Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Kosciusko, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley, Allen, Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Wells, Adams, and Blackford counties. The role supports districts and conservation partners through regional programming, training, administrative guidance, strategic planning, capacity building, and efforts to expand resources for local conservation work. Candidates are preferred to live within the coverage area. The incumbent may spend the first six months in an SWCD office to build relationships; after that period, the employee is eligible for remote work. The position involves significant collaboration with external partners and other District Support Specialists, and problem-solving is an important part of the work. Travel is required on most workdays to visit clients, customers, or other entities, as well as attend early-morning and evening meetings across the region and at locations such as central Indiana. Work hours may vary to meet operational needs and may differ from a 7.5-hour workday. The role is exempt from overtime compensation; employees must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary. The position may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. The Indiana Division of Soil Conservation assists farmers in applying agronomic technologies while improving soil health and water quality. It works through the Indiana Conservation Partnership to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance supporting economically and environmentally compatible land and water stewardship. The salary traditionally starts at $53,222, but may be adjusted based on education and work experience. A degree is not required.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of erosion and sediment control and related water quality considerations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variable workload.
Ability to prepare and present educational or informational materials to various audiences.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to natural resource issues.
Advanced knowledge of divisional and departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
Knowledge of SWCD legal structure, functionality, and mission.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to travel on most workdays and attend early-morning and evening meetings, with work hours varying to meet operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Candidates are preferred to live within the defined coverage area.

Responsibilities

Encourage and facilitate multi-SWCD program efforts.
Work with districts and conservation partners to develop effective regional educational programs about soil erosion, soil productivity, sedimentation, and water quality, emphasizing conservation implementation.
Develop, conduct, or arrange professional training for SWCD supervisors and employees to strengthen district capacity and improve natural resource conditions.
Provide administrative guidance to SWCDs on records, annual meetings, program planning, supervisor elections and appointments, personnel and financial management, and compliance with applicable laws and administrative requirements.
Lead SWCDs and conservation partners in assessing local soil and water conservation issues and needs and developing long-range business plans and annual program plans.
Identify opportunities to expand district capacity and lead the development and implementation of pilot projects with districts.
Work with districts and county officials to increase local funding and resources for conservation programs and help establish new partners.
Assist districts in developing mutual agreements, service contracts, grants, and other nontraditional funding sources to support conservation assistance and technical assistance to land users.
Develop tools for districts to document the value of conservation services and their economic and societal benefits to counties.
Assist Division of Soil Conservation leadership in implementing the Indiana Conservation Partnership Strategic Plan, coordinating SWCD support, and increasing conservation implementation for local landowners.
Travel to worksites to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and prepare reports.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards
Health savings account with biweekly state contributions
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match
Two fully funded pension plan options
Paid New Parent Leave and paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Paid community service leave
Combined paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
Paid holidays
Education reimbursement program
Group life insurance
Referral bonus program
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free parking for most positions
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