District Support Specialist

State of Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Division of Soil Conservation: The Division of Soil Conservation assists farmers in applying advanced agronomic technologies while improving health and water quality. We are members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership, providing technical, financial, and educational assistance to implement economically and environmentally compatible land and water stewardship decisions, practices, and technologies. Role Overview: As a District Support Specialist you will serve in the Division of Soil Conservation as a regional program support specialist, providing direct assistance to soil and water conservation districts in program planning and development, leadership development, education, and outreach. This role leads districts and their many conservation partners in carrying out strategic planning efforts and conservation programs to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns. It also provides training and administrative guidance to Soil and Water Conservation Districts in accordance with the Soil and Water Conservation Act (IC 14-32). This position will serve Northeast Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts and may be adjusted upon hiring.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge of the 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 variable workload.
Ability to prepare and present educational/informational materials to various types of 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.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

A degree is not required.

Responsibilities

Encourage and facilitate multi-SWCD program efforts.
Work with districts and conservation partners in the development of effective regional educational programs regarding the impact of soil erosion on soil productivity, off-site sedimentation damage and water quality, with emphasis on effective conservation implantation to reduce adverse effects.
Develop, conduct, and/or arrange for professional training for SWCD supervisors and employees to strengthen district(s) capacity for fulfilling their legislative mandates and improving soil, water and related natural resource conditions in their respective communities.
Provide administrative guidance to SWCDs concerning records, annual meetings, program planning, supervisor elections and appointments, personnel and financial management, and compliance with applicable federal or state laws or administrative code requirements.
Provide leadership to SWCDs and other conservation partners for the assessment of local soil and water conservation issues and needs and in formulating long range business plans and annual program plans to address local and regional soil and water conservation issues and needs.
Help identify opportunities for expanding district capacity and provide leadership in developing and carrying pilot projects with districts to demonstrate those opportunities.
Work with districts and their respective county officials to increase local funding for staffing and other resources needed to carry out effective local conservation programs and assist districts in establishing new partners to advance their local conservation programs.
Assist districts in developing mutual agreements, contracts for services, grants and other nontraditional sources of funding to support their expanding responsibilities to serve as the local clearinghouse for conservation assistance as well as increase technical assistance to land users.
Develop tools for districts to use to document the value of conservation services provided by districts and their partners as well as the economic and societal benefits to their respective counties.
Assist DSC leadership in implementation of ICP Strategic Plan, coordinating SWCD support for Strategic Plan success and increasing conservation implementation for local landowners.
Essential functions of this position require travel on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and write reports at those sites or employee’s home.
Employee reports to the agency’s office for occasional meetings or events.
Number and timing of work hours may vary daily or weekly to accommodate operational needs and staffing concerns at the client’s or customer’s worksite, minimize expenditures for repeated visits to complete the work, and allocate resources to complete assigned work effectively.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.
Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
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