DGLVR Conservation Technician/Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The DGLVR Conservation Technician/Specialist is responsible for the successful and effective implementation and full administration of the Crawford County DGLVR Program in accordance with the current delegation agreement. The position requires that the person possesses or is willing to acquire knowledge of the State Conservation Commission’s DGLVR program requirements and the Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies technical guidance. This person must work closely with local elected or appointed officials responsible for road maintenance within Crawford County as well as other District staff and agency personal.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Geology, Sustainability or any appropriate field or an associate’s degree, the required KSA’s and two years of experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Currently hold and maintain a valid PA driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Must be able to speak and understand the English language in a proficient manner in order to carry out essential job duties, including the ability to hear conversation and communicate orally.

• Knowledge of state, federal and local environmental laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, engineering principals and physical sciences.

• Knowledge of common construction equipment, supplies and materials.

• Knowledge of surveying and design procedures.

• Knowledge of local costs associated with construction and construction equipment.

• Skill to organize and maintain files both electronic and in paper.

• Skill in project and contract management.

• Skill in numerical and verbal reasoning.

• Skill in grant writing, implementation and reporting including obtaining reimbursements.

• Skill necessary to evaluate DGLVR sites for potential pollution.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to have flexibility and work effectively and cooperatively with coworkers, partners, municipalities and members of the public.

• Ability to tactfully get along with many different kinds of people.

• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, orally and in writing.

• Ability to speak in front of large groups and present information in a satisfactory manner.

• Ability to apply the principles and methods of physical sciences to technical engineering problems.

• Ability to traverse rough terrain and willingness to work outside during inclement weather.

• Ability to read and interpret technical literature, engineering plans, aerial photographs, soil surveys, USGS topographic maps, and FEMA Maps.

• Ability to use general and specific office equipment and or tools safely and according to policy (copier, fax, printer, calculator, adding machine, digital camera, multimedia projector, desktop and laptop computers, hand/battery/fuel operated drilling and cutting devices); various software packages (database, word processing, desktop publishing, graphic arts, GIS); and other technical equipment (planimeter, a hand level, Abney level, laser level/rod, measuring wheel, GPS data collector, cell phone and vehicle).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES

• Maintaining the online GIS Live Project Mapper (or current system) database for Crawford County.

• Compile and submit quarterly and yearly reports according to the State Conservation Commission and Center program guidelines.

• Prepare an annual program report for the District Manager

• Maintain an understanding of the resource goals of the DGLVR program and educate local municipalities on those goals.

• Maintain an awareness of Crawford County municipal offices, officials and employees.

• Maintain working knowledge of local construction costs.

• Meet with municipal officials to assist in creating quality DGLVR grant applications.

• Rank applications and present results to the Quality Assurance Board.

• Schedule Quality Assurance Board Meetings, prepare agenda and minutes in consultation with the District Manager.

• Routinely reviews DGLVR policy to ensure compliance with SCC and Center.

• Generate contracts for approved applicants.

• Provide construction inspection and oversight on approved projects.

• Collect and review invoices, complete cost and performance reports, submit payment request.

• Maintain budget expenses within the categories of construction, administration and education while working with the District Manager and the Administrative Assistant to track program expenses.

• Meet with District Manager to discuss the DGLVR Budget on a yearly basis.

• Arrange for educational and demonstration events and activities to promote the DGLVR program principals (tailgate demonstrations, LTAP classes, township and borough conventions).

• Maintaining a daily diary of all work activities including mileage and project documentation.

• Prepare a program annual report for the District Manager.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Answer phone calls, respond to emails, assists customers, read industry publications.

• Keep a daily log and provide written monthly reports to the Conservation District Board and attend and/or present program updates when requested.

• Submit monthly expense claims, biweekly payroll, purchase requisitions and travel requests.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, assist with maintaining operations at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center and Stainbrook Park (spring and fall clean-up), as well as and other district programs (tree sale, envirothon, environmental education)

• Promote and implement the Annual Work Plan identified by the Crawford Conservation District Board of Directors.

• Obtain necessary training to become familiar with and knowledgeable of the other District program areas (Water Quality, ACT, Manure/Nutrient Management, REAP, NPDES, E&S).

• Develop a working knowledge of Pennsylvania Conservation District operations and the operations of cooperating and related natural resource agencies.

• Attend meetings, trainings, seminars as required.

• Participates in Environmental Education programming at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center and area schools.

• Acts as a member on relevant boards and committees.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The DGLVR Conservation Technician is expected to work 40 hours per week. A typical week will be Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. Pre-approved hours worked in excess of 40/week will be given as compensatory time at the rate of 1½ hours/hour worked. Adjustments to the work schedule shall be coordinated with and approved by the District Manager.

• Works indoors with adequate workspace, lighting, temperature, and ventilation.

• Works with average indoor stress, but subject to frequent disruptions and noise.

• Works with average indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

• Works outdoors in all weather conditions to accomplish the specific responsibilities.

• Works outdoors performing maintenance work; exposed to dirt/dust/vibrations of vehicles & equipment.

• Travels frequently to various locations to perform work or inspections and during all seasons; exposure to outdoor elements, including snow, storms, and icy roadways.

• Some outdoor exposure to fumes/odors from tools, paints, and other maintenance supplies.

• May require working at heights on scaffolds, ladders to perform essential job duties.

• Periodic meeting attendance beyond normal work hours including travel to training sessions, educational workshops, and other meetings as required.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of walking and sitting.

• Must be able to execute frequent periods of bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting and reaching to carry out job duties.

• Dexterity requirements range from fine manipulation of fingers/hands to coordinated movements of feet/legs/torso to maintain balance.

• Medium work, with occasional lifting and carrying of objects and materials ranging from 50-70 pounds.

• Must be able to walk and be on the move for up to eight hours per day.

SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE

The DGLVR Conservation Technician receives instruction from and is under the supervision and guidance of the District Manager.

TRAINING

The DGLVR Conservation Technician is expected to complete all, but not limited to the following training as available: Complete the self-directed learning on history and operations of Pennsylvania’s Conservation Districts including: Overview, History of Conservation Movement, Conservation District Law, Laws Related to Conservation Districts, Relationships and Partners, Leadership, Operational Oversight and Policy, Fiscal Management and Communications and Advocacy found at https://www.paleadership.org/training_modules/, ESM Course, ESM Boot Camp, DGLVR Webinars, DGLVR Annual Workshop, New Hire Training, Stream Crossing, GIS, DGLVR Administrative, USDA survey skills, and first aid training. The technician should have familiarity with Center’s technical bulletins as well as research and publications related to the industry. Local LTAP training is encouraged for road scholar status as is eventual program cross training in order to provide better office efficiency. The technician should maintain a log of completed trainings and meet with the District Manager yearly to discuss their accomplishments, individual development / training plan and career goals where additional training may be added as time permits.

I have read the above position description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I hereby accept the position of agricultural conservation technician and agree to abide by the requirements and duties set forth. I will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.

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DGLVR Conservation Technician/Specialist Date

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Tracey J. Crawford, District Manager Date