General Statement and Duties: Performs a variety of technical duties related to the establishment of conservation practices concerning land and water on public and private properties; does related work as required.

Distinguishing features of the class: This position exists in a Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and involves responsibility to perform technical duties in aiding property owners, agricultural groups, and governmental agencies on soil and water conservation practices. This is technical work involving responsibility for assisting the Conservation District Manager in field surveys, design and supervision of conservation projects. Employees in this class are expected to assist directly in various projects such as tree planting, placement and construction of farm ponds and related soil and water management programs. All work will be completed according to the standards and specifications of the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, the New York Guidelines and the SWCD. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Conservation District Manager. When participating in programs administered by the USDA, procedures, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the USDA and SWCD will be followed. All duties are subject to assignment by the District Manager as detailed in the SWCDs Annual Plan of Operations.<p>

Examples of work (included but not limited to): Planning and implementation of SWCD programs such as the annual tree sale, pond stocking, agricultural value assessment, hydroseeding etc.; Coordination and assistance with grant implementation; Makes sure that tree and shrub order and ensures that the vegetation is properly delivered and planted; Assistance in preparing maps and other GIS related work; Maintenance of conservation practices on land via grass seeding, stone rip-rap, fencing and other planned conservation processes; Reviewing of conservation plans and offering advice on their said maintenance; Attendance of functions and meetings as required by the District Manager<p> Minimum Qualifications:Either<br> <li>Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science or Planning or a closely related field. Or <li>Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associates Degree in Environmental Science or Planning or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in agronomy, forestry, or conservation related projects. Or <li>Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of experience in agronomy, forestry, or conservation-related projects. <p> Compensation: Pay ranges from $45,000-$55,000 based on the experiences and qualifications of the individual candidate, along with their prior experiences with functions relating to Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Additional benefits include: health and dental coverage, paid time off, participation in NYS & Local Retirement System, and deferred compensation.

Interested candidates should contact Christos Galanopoulos at christos@otsegosoilandwater.com. Otsego County Civil Service application MUST be submitted.