SOIL CONSERVATIONIST Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

SOIL CONSERVATIONIST

Knox County Government – 3.4 Knox County, TN Job Details $27.33 an hour 7 hours ago Qualifications ArcGIS Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office Driver’s License Bachelor’s degree Organizational skills Soil conservation Senior level 4 years GIS Full Job Description

SOIL CONSERVATIONIST APPLY

Purpose of Job The purpose of the position is to oversee the operations of the Soil Conservation District under the direction of the Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors; develop, design and implement plans and programs for natural resource conservation, erosion control and water quality improvement on farms and other private lands; and provide technical and financial assistance to individuals, groups, and units of government. Essential Functions The Soil Conservationist is responsible for the following essential functions: Develop comprehensive natural resource conservation plans and programming using site specific data to address soil, water, air, animal, plant, and human resource concerns, while assuring projects meet local, state, and federal regulations/requirements Work with clients throughout all aspects of the conservation planning and implementation process by providing technical and financial assistance to individuals, groups, and units of government in the development, application, and maintenance of natural resource conservation plan measures, practices, and programs Essential Functions Explain complex concepts pertaining to alternative conservation systems such as engineering practices, natural resource practices, agricultural practices, and ecological principles to a variety of clients (landowners/land managers), partners, staff and the public Work in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist and the Soil Conservationist to coordinate state, local, grant, and federal project funds to best meet the needs of the county, clients and the community Regularly attend monthly Knox County Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors Meetings. Provide conservation practice design, layout, direction, oversite, and construction assurance to contractors, land managers, and others regarding the development, construction, and maintenance of engineering structures, ecological practices and other conservation measures Ensure project practices meet Conservation Plan and NRCS standards and specifications in the field by measuring, surveying, and testing practices and implements a follow-up and maintenance programs on cooperators’ land to ensure that completed conservation systems are being maintained and documents, records and reports gathered information Develop and plan information/education programs by developing materials and presenting at meetings of government, regional meetings, community group meetings, field days, and demonstrations to explain and promote the resource programs or specific phases of programs and the need of natural resource conservation Apply for and administer grant funding from federal, state, and local sources including budgeting, record keeping, and developing required reports Use GIS and Conservation Desktop software to manage data and create, design, and modify customized maps, including conservation plan maps, soils maps, topo maps, design maps, and as built maps for clients, staff and public use Develop professional relationships with Knox County agricultural producers, producers’ groups, non-profits, units of government and other stakeholders Additional Job Functions Ensure regular, punctual attendance for self and assigned staff Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office Perform other duties as required Minimum Training & Qualifications Minimum requirements for the proposed position include a bachelor’s degree with a major study in soil conservation, agronomy, forestry, wildlife biology, environmental science, agricultural engineering, or agricultural education and minimum of four (4) years’ related experience. Training or experience in GIS applications is preferred A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position. Once an offer of employment has been tendered, an applicant must pass county and federal background checks that allow the Soil Conservationist to handle personally identifiable information (PII). Specialized Knowledge N/A Competencies Proficient in use of PCs, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices Ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team Ability to function in a position of moderate complexity Ability to regularly solve difficult problems and occasionally responsible for solving complex problems Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to engage in frequent communications with others including high level of public relations and interacting with the media. The incumbent will often communicate very complex or sensitive information, direct the work of others, and frequently be required to persuade or instruct others Ability to regularly use typical office equipment including a multi-line phone, photocopier, calculator, postage meter, laminator, document binder, fax machine, and check printer Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite of products such as the Word Word processing program, Excel spreadsheet program, Access database program, and PowerPoint presentation program Ability to use the Conservation Desktop (NRCS Mapping Software), ArcGIS and WebSoil Survey software programs Ability to use laser level survey equipment approximately once per week and field global positioning system (GPS) units approximately twice per week Physical Requirements Occasional moderate effort or frequent periods of light physical activity Must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that may consist of eye protection, ear protection, hard hats, gloves, etc. when visiting construction sites Ability to walk a construction site consisting of uneven terrain Occupational Hazards Exposure to heavy equipment at job sites Working in a variety of weather conditions including precipitation and very cold or very hot temperatures Traversing uneven ground/steep slopes Exposure to biting and stinging insects Working around livestock and other farm hazards Exposure to working in inclement weather Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Type :

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location :

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS

Posting Start :

06/24/2025

Posting End :

07/25/2025 MINIMUM

HOURLY RATE

$27.33