Nutrient Management Technician – Conservation Position Available In Greene, Pennsylvania

Nutrient Management Technician•Conservation 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 22 W High St Ste 204, Waynesburg, PA 15370 COUNTY

OF GREENE JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION

Nutrient Management Technician

DEPARTMENT

Greene County Conservation District (GCCD)

LOCATION

Ben Franklin Building 22 West High Street Suite 204 Waynesburg, PA 15370 SALARY Management Pay Grade 6: $34,856.58 to $37,466.76/year

Non-Exempt HOURS:

8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday•Friday 1 Hour Unpaid Lunch 35 Hours per Week

BENEFITS

Health, Vision & Dental•First of month following date of hire All Other Benefits•After 90 day probationary period Excellent Time-Off Benefits

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE JOB

Perform specialized environmental duties and implement and review the Districts DEP Programs and initiatives as they relate to agriculture. Administer and implement Pennsylvania’s Act 38 through the delegation agreement with the SCC/DEP. Assist with, learns and becomes familiar with the following programs: agriculture, district GRACE program, Agriculture Assistance Conservation Program (ACAP), manure management. Carry out any other duties or responsibilities delegated by the District Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Nutrient Management Duties and requirements Obtain and maintain Nutrient Management Act 38 Public Planner Certification. Obtain and maintain NRCS approved Conservation Planning Certification and appropriate job approval. Participate on local, regional and state boards and committees to help in the advancement and the betterment of the farming community and the Conservation District. Investigate complaints and violations of the ACT 38 & Chapter 91 regulations to obtain voluntary compliance and refer those operations to the State Conservation Commission or the appropriate agency when voluntary compliance cannot be obtained. Perform all the duties required of a Public Nutrient Management Specialist under the State Conservation Commission guidelines. Perform all the duties required by the delegation agreement for Chapter 91 regulations under the State Conservation Commission guidelines. Investigate complaints and violations of the Chapter 102 regulations to obtain voluntary compliance and refer those operations to the Department of Environmental Protection or the appropriate agency when voluntary compliance cannot be obtained. Perform the duties of an Agricultural Conservation Technician meeting the ACT Employee Experience Guidelines (Level dependent on experience) (attachment A). Administer the level 2 Commercial Manure Hauler test as outlined in the NMA Program Delegation Agreement. Nutrient Management Specialist (PA Act 38 requirements)

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Encourage voluntary and mandatory participation of agricultural operations. Educate and promote the agronomic environmental benefits of proper nutrient management, including developing and providing education and outreach programs. 2. Assist farm operators and Nutrient Management Specialists with implementing the provisions of the Nutrient Management Act and regulations. Provide that all regulations and delegated activities are met for Act 38. 3. Review and assist with approval/disapproval of submitted nutrient management plans, plan implementation; amendments, transfers, manure storage setback waivers and implementation delays, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the NMA regulations and the Administrative Manual. 4. As resources and program policies permit, provide technical assistance in the development of nutrient management plans or develop nutrient management plans when necessary. 5. Visit selected voluntary and concentrated animal operations with approved Nutrient Management Plans to assess plan implementation and to implement BMPs to comply with the NMA regulations. 6. Perform on-site visits of those operations considered to be out of compliance with their approved plan or regulations, based on submitted materials. 7. Investigate complaints and violations to obtain voluntary compliance and refer those operations to the State Conservation Commission or the appropriate agency when compliance cannot be obtained by the district. 8. Provide the Commission with quarterly reports according to the Administrative Manual, which summarizes Level II activities.

This listing of accomplishments includes:

number of meetings held, number of people trained, number of educational efforts completed, number of people assisted, number of plans received, number of complaints and status of investigations. Maintain files on nutrient management plans and plan amendments submitted for review and approval, including plan implementation information submitted by operators with approved plans. These records include manure transfer sheets, annual summaries of manure transfers and designs developed for BMP implementation Agricultural Program Duties Assist the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board in facilitating the Farmland Preservation Program in Greene County in accordance with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Farmland Preservation Program. Work in conjunction with the Agriculture Technician to ensure the GRACE Program is carried out each year. Assist with accepting applications, completing farm visits which include collecting soil samples and ensuring that each project is acceptable according to NRCS Standards, and compiling and ranking all soil data and other projects to present totals to the GCCD Board. Offering technical assistance to farmers within the county who are seeking manure spreaders, no-till drill, and other forms of farm services and information. Works with NRCS to understand Conservation Planning. Participate on local, regional and state boards and committees to help in the advancement and the betterment of the farming community and the Conservation District ACAP Program All agriculture staff work to promote the Greene County Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). This is an exciting, new opportunity in which the ideal candidate will have an opportunity to make a tremendous and positive impact on agriculture in Greene County. This position will involve providing technical assistance to Greene County farmers for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) as well as contracting projects, overseeing construction, and reporting on the results of the program. 1. Provide information to interested persons on financial assistance and technical assistance programs supporting implementation of best management practices contained in identified in; associated with nutrient management, manure management agricultural erosion and sediment control and conservation plans. 2. Advise applicants of alternative funding sources for project implementation such as tax credits, loans and grants 3. Provide administrative assistance for the ACAP Program, which when applicable may include loans available through the Agriculture Linked Investment Program (AgriLink) and tax credits available through the Resource Enhancement and Protection Tax Credit Program (REAP). 4. Coordinate an ongoing grant program including providing applications to interested applicants, reviewing applications for completeness, determining eligibility based on ranking criteria, and recommending projects for funding to the GCCD Board of Directors 5. Assist in nutrient management, manure management, Ag E&S and conservation plan implementation by providing or facilitating, as resources allow, general technical assistance to program participants with approved plans. Technical assistance may include inventory and evaluation; developing or assisting in the development of designs; cost estimates; construction monitoring; and certification of the proposed project(s). 6. Assist the ACAP coordinator with financial and written quarterly reports that summarize those activities performed during the report period including but not limited to education and outreach; number of grant applications received and processed, and technical assistance provided to program applicants. 7. Collect and report data pertaining to Ag E&S plans, conservation plans, manure management plans, nutrient management plans and best management practice implementation completed under approved projects using Practice Keeper or other approved reporting system. GRACE Program All agricultural staff work to promote the GRACE program. The Nutrient Management Technician assists the ACT Technician to implement the program and perform the following tasks as needed. Performs evaluation visits and final inspections Promotes program within Greene County Administers soil sample collection and preparation for processing by Penn State Agricultural Analytical Lab Services Provide technical assistance to applicants for planning required for the program this includes: conservation plans, Agriculture E&S plans, Manure Management plans, etc. Prepares updates and reports as needed for the program and as requested by the board or manager. Maintain recordkeeping and organization of applicant files Prepare reimbursements for approval as projects are completed Farmland Preservation The agricultural staff assists with the administration of the programs and activities of the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board (GCFLP).Provide support to the Greene County Farmland Preservation Board of Directors as needed to maintain maximum productivity throughout all stages of project management including but not limited to assigning title reports, working on behalf of landowners regarding mortgage subordinations and satisfactions, preparing and submitting summary reports to the Commonwealth and FRPP as appropriate. Maintain accurate records of Agricultural Security Areas for the Farmland Preservation Board and Planning Commission. Assist with cross training of staff and supervision of volunteers as needed. Provide assistance to GCFLP administered program applicants along with application preparation and farm rankings and required inspections. Coordination of GCFLP monthly meetings, execution of all board business as approved by the chairman. Contacts and works with townships, land trusts, the Commonwealth, private-sector organizations and other vested parties to preserve farmland as efficiently and economically possible. Assist with maintaining conservation easement database, reports, GIS projects and associated conservation easement files. Interact with the public, present easement purchase program and distribute program information at various opportunities including township or other organizational meetings, at the office, on the telephone, and through email.

OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB

Assure consistency, thoroughness, and expediency in reviews, in field inspections and in working with applicants. Expand the number of farms utilizing GCCD services annually and report that information quarterly to the board. Expand Ag security areas by working closely with municipalities and report for eligible farms. Farms that have applied for consideration under FLP shall be coordinated with the Department of Economic Development to identify those farms under development pressures. Handle complaints by documenting them and doing onsite inspections. Recommend all complaints that are outside the GCCD’s jurisdiction to the GCCD District Manager. Work with consultants, planners, developers, engineers, municipal officials, landowners and other relevant individuals to discuss agricultural planning and/or problems. Maintain all appropriate records for all grants and delegated programs including quarterly reporting and reimbursement requests Assist with demonstration projects, field days, and tours 9. Assist other District staff with the Greene County Envirothon, training events, workshops, field days, and other educational activities 10. Provide technical support for all PA Code Title 25 Chapter 105 Stream Encroachment Permits for agricultural producers. Maintain an up-to-date diary of daily activities to be reported at the monthly GCCD Board Meeting, the District Manager. Process a quarterly report from the activities recorded in the diary. 12. Help prepare and mail the GCCD quarterly newsletter, composing news articles or submitting information as needed. 13. Follow tasks assigned annually by the GCCD Board of Directors as outlined in the Annual Plan of Operations of the Greene County Conservation District. 14. Assist with GCCD education activities. Assist in the coordination of watershed assessments and remediation projects as requested. Develops and/or continually updates Procedure/Training Manual for your position to facilitate consistent quality service to residents, assists co-workers to accomplish your tasks in your absence, and creates ease of employee promotions. Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor to ensure program quality and program requirements are maintained.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works independently with direct supervision from District Manager or other employee delegated supervisory capacity by the District Manager.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is considered a field position, subject to outdoor conditions which may include occasional adverse weather conditions. May need to dress appropriately for working conditions: hardhat, reflective vests etc. Compliance with all OSHA and other regulations is mandatory, including proper clothing and footgear, etc. Works indoors in adequate work space, temperatures, ventilation and lighting. Works with average indoor exposure to noise, stress and disruptions. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt. Travels occasionally when needed to perform essential functions of job. Subject to working evenings or extended hours for meetings or seminars related to the job. Subject to walking outdoors over multi-terrain situations.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching necessary to carry out job duties. 2. Medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten (10) pounds. 3. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability. 4. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position. 5. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions. 6. Must be able to sit, stand, walk and drive during the course of the day for various intervals. 7. Dexterity requirements range from simple coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties. 8. Must be able to traverse multiple terrain features and situations

QUALIFICATIONS

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Have a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: agriculture, environmental or earth sciences. Preferably have agricultural experience. BA or BS degree in Environmental Science or another related field preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Prior experience in related field. Knowledge of agricultural practices, soil and water conservation, conservation practices and concepts.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$34,856.58•$37,466.76 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to

Friday Work Location:

In person