Conservation BMP Technician

The Conservation Technician position is funded through a contract with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service's (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) for the implementation of the department's BMP program. The specific job performance standards are defined by the contract between Okeechobee SWCD and the FDACDS-OAWP.

As a Conservation Technician, you will be responsible for a variety of exciting and meaningful assignments. This is an entry-level, team-oriented, professional position interacting with agricultural producers via telephone, electronic communication, and in person. You will be trained to understand the fundamentals of the BMP program and expected to:

• Conduct BMP NOI enrollments with agricultural producers using commodity specific BMP manuals, checklists, and other tools. You will be the liaison who effectively communicates the producer's statutory obligations to enroll in the BMP program as defined by the Florida Watershed Restoration Act.
• Conduct implementation verification (IV) site visits every 2 years for producers already enrolled in the BMP program. You will meet on-site with agricultural producers to confirm compliance with site specific BMPs and update their enrollment to account for changes in their operation. This process requires an evaluation of nutrient records to determine if the producer is utilizing applicable fertilizer rates, as well as the evaluation and collection of nutrient data for nutrient applications containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus.
  
  Upon completion of the IV, you will determine compliance that may require the producer to implement corrective measures.
• Assist producers with submitting cost-share applications for qualifying projects that address nutrient management, irrigation management, or water resource protection. You will manage producer cost share agreements in accordance with the Cost-Share Standard Operating Procedures and walk producers through the entire process, from application to reimbursement.
• Provide technical support to all professional positions in the OSWCD and OAWP Okeechobee Field Offices. This includes, but is not limited to outreach assistance, map creation, data collection, BMP verification, progress tracking, and response to requests for additional information.
• Performing other work-related tasks, as required.