Agriculture Conservation Technician Position
The Blue Ridge Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking to fill a Full-time Conservation Technician position with a candidate that understands soil and water conservation principles such as rotational grazing, nutrient management, and the relationship between soil health and farmer profitability. This position works to promote the Virginia Agriculture Cost Share Program and provides technical assistance to fulfill the mission of the Blue Ridge Soil & Water Conservation District. This position will also assist with the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program. Applicant must be well organized and self-motivated, obtain a valid VA driver’s license, have a clean driving record, pass a background check, pass random drug testing and be willing to work inside and outside on any terrain during all seasons. The full-time Conservation Technician is an exempt position.
Primary duties include agricultural conservation planning, technical field work, youth and adult education programs, presentations, and public relations. This job requires administration of the Virginia Agricultural BMP State Cost-Share program including project checkout and certification, data entry, GIS mapping, Conservation planning, performing annual verification checks and assist with watershed dam maintenance management. This job requires the applicant to become a DCR Conservation Planner and obtain DCR Engineer Job Approval Authority and carries out other duties as requested by the Blue Ridge SWCD Board of Directors and the Program Manager/Education Coordinator in relation to District Cost-Share programs and District environmental education programs.
Applicants must have a B. S. degree in agriculture or natural resources related field or equivalent experience showing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform job duties in conservation related field. Nutrient management planning and agricultural background/experience is a plus. Salary is $39,000-$45,000 based on qualifications/experience. Certification incentives of 2.5% are available. Benefits include Virginia State Retirement, Health Care, Dental, Vision, paid Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Holiday leave. Six-month probationary period is required.
Send a Virginia State Employment application (https://virginia-job-application.pdffiller.com), college transcript, three references, and resume to this address:
Blue Ridge SWCD 1297 State Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151
First review of qualified applications will close at 4:30 pm Monday, April 30, 2023 but will remain open until this position is filled. For more information call Blue Ridge Soil & Water Conservation District at (540) 352-3312. EOE