Soil and Water Technician

Overview

Performs technical work in the coordination of Soil and Water Conservation Programs for the County. An employee in this class serves as the representative of the Soil and Water Conservation District and provides consultative and technical assistance to farmers and landowners regarding a wide variety of soil and water conservation practices. Work includes making field visits, studying conservation plans, gathering data on existing land and water conditions, analyzing conservation problems, and developing recommended solutions.

Work also includes conservation program coordination, promotion, enrollment, administrative record and thorough tracking of contracts. Independent professional judgment and initiative are exercised in on-the-spot consultations as well as after more detailed analysis and evaluation.

Work requires the employee to work in inside and outside environments, including extreme temperatures, and exposes the worker to dust, fumes, odors, and mist. Work involves extensive public contact that requires tact and courtesy.

Work is performed under the technical and administrative supervision of the Soil and Water Conservation Director. Employees must present performance updates to the McDowell County Soil and Water Board of Directors monthly. Work is reviewed by observation, discussion, spot checks at critical stages of projects, and feedback from the public. The technician will assist with the StRAP (Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program) Program, a grant project through the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

The technician will assist in the maintenance of the watershed lakes within the County.

• Develop conservation plans involving contour, terraces, tilling, open ditch drainage, farm ponds, diversions, strip tillage, crop rotation, tree planting, and waterways.
• Provide technical assistance and consultations to farmers and landowners.
• Assist with program coordination, promotion, enrollment, recordkeeping, and contract tracking.
• Analyze and evaluate conservation practices, make recommendations for corrective actions or improvements.
• Develop and present educational programs suitable to audiences of various ages.
• Maintain effective relationships with landowners, tenants, peers, supervisors, employees, state agencies, other departments, and the public.
• Perform physical labor as necessitated by work assignments.

• Considerable knowledge of agronomy, soil characteristics, engineering practices, drafting and surveying.
• Considerable knowledge of agriculture and forestry operations, planning, and applying soil, water and related conservation and development.
• Skill in using computer word processing, spreadsheets, and file maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal soil and water conservation regulations.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate conservation practices and make corrective recommendations.
• Effective communication skills—tactful, courteous, and professional in dealing with landowners and the public.

Must be able to physically perform basic life support functions of kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform work exerting up to 75 pounds of force, and/or up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Graduation from high school, supplemented by special courses in agriculture, agronomy, or related fields and considerable experience in agricultural conservation practices, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Graduation from a two-year college with a focus in biology preferred.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required.
• New employees must attend new employee training offered through the Division of Soil and Water, and yearly conservation education training conference attendance among other training courses are required.
• Ability to operate a computer or similar technology, measuring devices, trucks and other equipment.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.