Soil & Water Conservation Manager

Guilford County • Nc, NC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position performs management, technical, and supervisory functions for the Guilford Soil and Water District office and programs. The role leads the District’s Soil & Water Conservation Technician and Soil & Water Coordinator positions. Programs are designed to protect the environment and enhance the public health and safety of the citizens of Guilford County. Responsibilities include providing public information, reviewing applications for conservation funds, determining eligibility, and designing, planning, laying out, checking, measuring, and certifying installed practices. The employee also performs technical field and office work to implement conservation programs on farmland and non-agricultural lands, and supports the administration of the Voluntary Agriculture District Program. This role works with and coordinates program activities with the Guilford County Soil and Water District Board and reports to the Planning and Development Director or Deputy Director.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently within established standards and guidelines.
• Ability to interpret regulations and planning manuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively use common workplace technologies and digital tools.
• Considerable knowledge of standard practices, techniques, materials and equipment used in drafting.
• Considerable knowledge of land and engineering survey systems, methods and techniques.
• General knowledge of the county's zoning, subdivision, erosion control and health department regulations.
• Understand agricultural methods, practices and culture.
• Ability to apply knowledge of Conservation Planning and use Best Management Practices for individual farms and fields.
• Working knowledge of land surveying including use of related instruments and computers.
• Ability to use hand level, and laser level for survey work and to carry and use a surveying rod and or receiver; record and document readings.
• Ability to make accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to transfer rough sketched and notes into finished land maps.
• Ability to work with other technical design personnel and convey ideas effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various individuals and groups in the course of work.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Soil Conservation, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Planning or related field. Course work should also include classes in agronomy, biology, forestry, and related subjects.
• OR An Associate Degree in Soil Conservation, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related field and two years of experience in natural resource management, environmental science, agriculture engineering, agronomy, forestry, soil science or a related area.
• Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

• Experience with farm management, engineering surveys and design.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership in the office for all Soil & Water District Programs and related issues, including Cost Share Programs, Jordan Lake Agriculture Rules Accounting and Compliance, Farm Preservation, and any other Soil & Water programs as needed and directed by district board.
• Provides basic supervisory and managerial tasks to oversee District staff.
• Oversees soil & water technician in the design, layout and construction supervision of Best Management Practices (BMPs); check out of completed BMPs and submit Requests for Payment; maintains technical design and job approval authority for BMPs.
• Develops plan and soils maps for contracts using ArcGIS and Web Soil Survey.
• Oversees preparation of annual 5% spot checks of NC-ACSP, AgWRAP and CCAP contracts.
• Prepare, revise and maintain conservation plans on agricultural land.
• Ensures the preparation and maintenance of Waste Utilization Plans for registered livestock operations as required by State “0200” Regulations and GS 143.215.10A.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to these operations to maintain compliance with plans and regulations.
• Presents all program documents and initiatives to the Soil & Water Board for approval, as required.
• Assists NRCS and staff with Federal Programs, as requested.
• Provides technical advice to the agricultural community, the public, and individuals as it relates to soil erosion control, conservation practice installation, storm water drainage and flooding problems.
• Assists with Voluntary Agriculture District Program Applications, helps maintain records, forms and tracking of applicants.
• Assists with No-till Drill rental program, scheduling and maintaining records.
• Advises the general public on current laws, standards and ordinances, e.g., Jordan Lake Rules.
• Assists NRCS, NC Div. Forest Resources, Cooperative Extension, Guilford County, City of Greensboro and Piedmont Triad Water Quality Partnership and other agencies as requested.
• Maintain historical aerial photographs and assists engineering consultants with viewing, locating sites.
• Oversees and assists the Soil & Water Coordinator in developing and presenting environmental educational programs to schools and groups.
• Oversees the Administrative needs of the District board, and work of the Soil & Water Coordinator.
• Oversees the Envirothon Program in Guilford County and assists at the area and state levels.
• Support Teacher Workshops (Educational Workshops that ‘teach the teachers’ to teach soil & water conservation to their students).
• Assists the District Board with outreach such as newsletter articles and fundraising activities
• Performs other related work, as needed.

Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
• A work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind.

What This Job Offers

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