Soil and Water: Urban Conservationist

Vigo County, Indiana•Terre Haute, IN

2d•$50,115•Hybrid

About The Position

Incumbent serves as Urban Conservationist/MS4 Plan Review/Inspector for the Vigo County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), responsible for providing technical assistance and information on erosion and sediment control in urban areas to land owners within the County.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree required in agronomy, forestry, natural resources, or related field.
Ability to meet all employer and Department hiring requirements, including passage of drug screen.
Working knowledge of processes and practices in land development and regulations, and urban and agricultural conservation practices, Rule 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5).and SWCD programs, policies, procedures, and legal requirements, with ability to provide technical assistance to the public.
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and computer software applications used by the department, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.
Working knowledge of Standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence, documents, and written reports as required.
Knowledge of agronomy, soil conservation, forestry, biology, hydrology, including related concepts, principles, techniques, and practices.
Knowledge of area social and economic conditions effecting conservation measures.
Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete department files/records.
Ability to analyze and evaluate area soil and water resources and environmental conditions adversely affecting agricultural and non-agricultural production in urban areas contributing to soil erosion and surface water pollution.
Ability to properly operate a variety of standard office and Department equipment, including computer, calculator, vehicle, camera, and measuring wheel.
Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements.
Ability to comply with all employer and Department work policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water (IDNR), Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Indiana District Employee Association (IDEA), Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation and Development (STRC+D), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences in data, compile, collate, or classify data, analyze and evaluate data and make determinations based on data analyses.
Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.
Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, often under time pressure.
Ability to apply knowledge of people and/or locations, and plan and layout assigned work projects.
Ability to read and interpret detailed prints, sketches, layouts, specifications, and maps.
Ability to plan and present public speaking presentations, fundraisers, and special events.
Ability to count, perform arithmetic calculations.
Ability to testify in legal proceedings/court as required.
Ability to occasionally work extended, weekends, and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for conferences, meetings, and/or public speaking, sometimes overnight.
Possession of a valid driver's license and a demonstrated safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or combination of equivalent education and work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Implements and ensures compliance with Rule 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5).
Reviews erosion and sediment control plan submittals for development under Memorandum of Agreement with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Vigo County.
Completes Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Form 1.
Develops detailed tracking system for projects when erosion and sediment plans are received through completion of projects.
Conducts site inspections per County Ordinance and designs guidelines to ensure compliance of rules.
Prepares and distributes detailed written reports, explaining deficiency in plans or during construction and offering recommendations to rectify such deficiencies to maintain compliance.
Develops and provides training to individuals and groups, and develops educational activities and programs relating to urban erosion control.
Assists in developing newsletters and maintaining website.
Provides information to public regarding related conservation issues.
Provides information on soils and limitations to Area Plan and Health Department for plat reviews.
Attends training programs, seminars, workshops, and conferences to maintain current knowledge of conservation issues and establish relationships with other groups and agencies.
Assists with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NCRS) duties when needed.
Attends monthly Board meetings.
May testify in legal proceeding/court as required.
Performs related duties as assigned.