RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST

Dauphin County•Middle Paxton Township, PA

10h•$20

About The Position

Dauphin County Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Resource Conservationist. The objective of the individual within this position is to administer the Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control (ESPC) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program for the discharge of storm water associated with construction activities in accordance with the related delegation agreement with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The individual in this position is responsible for but not limited to performing the following essential functions: reviews ESPC plan and related NPDES permit applications in a fair and equitable manner to determine adequacy of content in accordance with program manual, checklists guidance documents and DEP training; completes ESPC plan technical reviews and NPDES administrative reviews in a timely manner that is in accordance with current program standards and requirements; keeps the program supervisor informed of project timelines that are not meeting standards and requirements; maintains all program-related files, charts and project documentation up-to-date and in an organized manner for timely retrieval of information. He/she also performs the following essential duties: conducts site inspections where earth disturbance is occurring to meet permit requirements and as needed to verify that construction is proceeding in conformance with approved plans; and completes and distributes inspection reports for sites with severe or major violations within two (2) business days with attention to accuracy and detail as may be required for future enforcement actions; investigates field complaints within established program timelines; properly documents the findings of the investigation and to the extent practical moves the complaint toward resolution within either our program or another agency's requirements. He/she performs a few other critical essential key functions which include: developing and conducting a minimum of two (2) educational programs for contractors, consultants, developers or municipal officials to keep them current in applicable aspect of program administration; initiates enforcement actions when voluntary compliance efforts fail or blatant violation of environmental laws has occurred; always conducts all activities and actions in a professional manner for all key essential functions; and performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, engineering or related natural resource field or such practical experience as required to develop a technical knowledge of this work.
Computer training and valid PA driver's license required.
Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
Must possess effective communication skills.
Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills in relation to environmental projects.
Must possess ability to function independently, organize efficient work schedules, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
Must possess the ability to deal with and resolve volatile situations.
Must possess a valid PA driver's license and a willingness to travel as needed to perform field inspections and other projects.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions within stipulated bounds when circumstances warrant such action.
Must possess ability to work on large projects and to interact effectively with DEP and County officials.
Must possess a thorough knowledge of engineering skills, practice and methods needed to carry out quality environmental conservation programs.
Must be able to traverse all kinds of outdoor terrain.
Must possess a knowledge and appreciation of natural resources.
Must be able to present factual information and documentation of site conditions where enforcement actions are present.
Must possess the ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
Must be able to sit, stand, walk and drive intermittently throughout the workday, with occasional kneeling, twisting, stooping, bending, climbing necessary to carry out work duties.
Dexterity requirements range from simple coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job.
Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.
Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
Must be able to walk significant distances, over irregular terrain and traverse steep slopes in adverse weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the preparation or reading of site plans and construction plans or the preparation of surveying documents is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews ESPC plan and related NPDES permit applications in a fair and equitable manner to determine adequacy of content in accordance with program manual, checklists guidance documents and DEP training.
Completes ESPC plan technical reviews and NP DES administrative reviews in a timely manner that is in accordance with current program standards and requirements; keeps the program supervisor informed of project timelines that are not meeting standards and requirements.
Maintains all program related files, charts and project documentation up-to-date and in an organized manner that permits accurate and timely retrieval of information.
Conducts site inspections where earth disturbance is occurring to meet permit requirements and as needed to verify that construction is proceeding in conformance with approved plans.
Completes and distributes inspection reports for sites with severe or major violations within 2 business days.
Completes inspection reports with attention to accuracy and detail as may be required for future enforcement actions.
Investigates field complaints within established program timelines; properly documents the findings of the investigation and to the extent practical moves the complaint toward resolution within our program requirements or by another agency.
Develops and conducts a minimum of 2 educational programs for contractors, consultants, developers or municipal officials to keep them current in applicable aspect of program administration.
Initiates enforcement actions when voluntary compliance efforts fail or blatant violation of environmental laws has occurred.
Conducts all activities and actions in a professional manner.