Agricultural & Natural Resource Technician

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39) and as outlined in the posting.

This position is posted on behalf of Carroll County SWCD. Applications will be shared with the SWCD office as they are received.

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 / hour; Based on Qualifications

Who We Are:

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) was formed in March 1944. With the support of ODA Division of Soil & Water Conservation and the Soil and Water Conservation Commission Carroll County SWCD hopes to continue providing the tools and support Carroll County residents. At Carroll SWCD their mission is to provide assistance on conservation practices and improvement of soil and water resources to all Carroll County land users through educational workshops technical assistance on-farm visits and cost share programs to encourage good stewardship.

At the State of Ohio we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits visit ourTotal Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off including vacation personal sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth Adoption and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds Public Service Loan Forgiveness and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS STRS SERS and HPRS)&Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services activities programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

What Youll Do:

The Carroll County SWCD is in search of passionate individuals to fill a full-time permanent Agricultural & Natural Resource Technician. This position will help to bring the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District to the forefront of agriculture in Pike County. The primary responsibilities include assisting landowners with conservation and natural resource technical assistance assisting with educational/outreach aspects of agriculture and natural resource conservation management and promoting the Pike Soil and Water Conservation programs by maintaining and improving partnerships and working relationships within the agricultural community.

This position is responsible for education technical assistance and field assistance to landowners/operators and units of government primarily in agronomic and natural resource issues. The position also aids in educational programming in Carroll County. Please see list below for additional details.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical assistance to cooperators producers landowners and various government agencies addressing conservation resource concerns by conducting field surveys evaluations written conservation plans and nutrient management plans.

• Promote and assist in program planning outreach and implementation of H2Ohio MWCD Cover Crop program and all other conservation related programs.

• Lead the Districts soil testing program. Facilitate the pulling and submitting of samples and providing test results (analysis) to the producer.

• Coordinates promotes and manages the Carroll SWCD equipment rental program. Duties include scheduling assisting with calibration and depth settings recording and submitting acreage planted. Perform preventive maintenance and deliver the rental equipment when necessary.

• Actively participate in staff meetings monthly Board meetings and all other trainings as needed.

• Lead or assist public with tours field days demonstrations of equipment test plots best management practices etc.

• Remains informed of all federal state and local laws that affect the conservation work within the Carroll District.

• Participate in and achieve certification related to agriculture conservation including the Ohio Department of Agriculture Technical Development Program Levels 1 and 2 and 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification. Complete training required by NRCS to become a Certified Conservation Planner.

• Assist NRCS with conservation project implementation including surveying construction site inspections and as-builts.

• Provide leadership on conservation outreach to landowners and producers on conservation practices through articles electronic formats and workshops.

• Prepare and maintain records reports and forms required by SWCD NRCS USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) ODA Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation District (OFSWCD) and Ohio Soil & Water Conservation Commission (OSWCC).

• Maintains contact with District cooperators local school systems civic groups OSU Extension and is willing and able to discuss the District conservation programs to the general public.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the ODA or Board of Supervisors.

Working Conditions & Pre-Employment Requirements

• Required to lift and carry necessary equipment; walk over uneven steep ground; cross fences.

• Required to transport district rental equipment using district vehicles.

• Required to work near construction equipment while in operation.

• Required to attend evening and weekend meetings on occasion within and outside the county.

• Occasionally perform duties during inclement weather.

• The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check.

• The recommended candidate for this position will be required to take a drug screen as part of their pre-employment approval process.

• Ability to pass a background check to use county and federal computer system.

• Must be insurable for government vehicle operation and have a valid Ohio drivers license.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum 2-year degree in agronomic or natural resource management or related field.

• Experience with presenting educational programs to both adult and youth audiences.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form; exercise sound judgement; use time and organization skills wisely be groomed and dressed appropriately as to reflect well on Carroll SWCD; cooperate with co-workers; receive and implement instructions from the DPA and Board of Supervisors; communicate and work well with landowners without discrimination.

• Ability to operate field equipment (e.g. survey equipment water quality monitoring equipment GPS data collector digital camera etc.) with guidance and training.

• Familiarity with popular computer software (including but not limited to MS Word Excel PowerPoint Publisher) and willingness to learn new applications.