Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District

Conservation Engineering Technician - Position Description

GENERAL

The Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District (SVSWCD) is a self-governing public agency that is considered a political subdivision of the state that is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors and covers the counties of Rockingham and Page, and the City of Harrisonburg.  Under the supervision of the NRCS Area I Engineer, the Conservation Engineering Technician will be responsible for performing a wide range of engineering/technical duties that pertain to the implementation of conservation programs related to the implementation of the Sustainable Chesapeake Working with Small Animal Feeding Operations Project.    Responsibilities include working directly with staff and landowners to implement conservation practices and includes regular contact with farmers, contractors, requiring judgment and tact in all interactions.  Assignments and supervision are given by members of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff. This position is a full-time position with regular work hours of 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday and occasionally includes extended work hours, evening hours, and overnight travel for training and meetings.  This position is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The employee will receive formal, informal and/or on-the-job training in the specialty area and assignments will become progressively more difficult in nature.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

In coordination with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position will help to implement programs and provisions included in the Farm Bill.  The position provides technical assistance for resource conservation projects with direct interaction with landowners, agencies, and related project partners.  The majority of the work is focused on engineering and technical assistance as outlined by the NRCS funding grant.  This position is a grant funded position and will end on or around April 30, 2028 unless additional grant funding is received to extend the position.  This position is associated with a federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funded RCPP grant project. While the employee will be employed by the Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District, the employee will be assigned to work under NRCS staff supervision. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Assist with the preparation of simple engineering sketches, practices and structures involved in a variety of conservation programs.
• Assist in assembling packages of drawings and specifications for jobs.
• Assist with design computations and prepare estimates for quantities and costs.
• Assist with field investigations and surveys as needed.
  • Assist with the collection of field data and ensure adequate data is collected.
  • Process and plot data.
• Assist with the inspection of work under construction.
  • Maintain comprehensive construction inspection records.
• Document information in conservation assistance (Con-6) notes.
• Communicate effectively with landowners and contractors regarding conservation projects and component installation requirements/expectations and associated guidelines and specifications
• Ensure all work is completed in conformance with NRCS conservation practice standards, engineering technical releases, and practice specifications.
• Adhere to NRCS policies regarding data integrity, ethical conduct, and compliance with program rules.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Cooperate with federal, state and local partners (SVSWCD, FSA, DEQ, DCR, VCE, CBF, VDACS, SVCC, etc.)
• Adhere to all District policies and guidelines as well as applicable NRCS policies and guidelines
• Assist with and complete other duties and tasks as assigned by the NRCS Supervisor or the District Manager

REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of basic engineering drawings, and specifications for simple construction activities, engineering surveying and investigation, design practices and structures.
• Basic knowledge of earthwork, concrete, drainage structures and timber construction
• Practical knowledge of and skill to:
  • Interpret construction designs/plans and technical specifications
  • Inspecting materials
  • Extracting data from a variety of sources
  • Completing exact measurements using standard formulas
  • Recognize and report errors, inconsistencies, and other deficiencies in technical data
• Ability to convey and provide basic technical engineering methods and practice information to landowners, contractors and other staff.
• Work is performed in conformance with NRCS references.
• Ability to turn surveys in AutoCAD designs or bench level surveys into drafted designs
• Practical experience in and understanding of agriculture
• Knowledge of soil and water qualities and characteristics sufficient to determine appropriate measures and practices
• Knowledge of construction and excavation activities/understanding of basic construction/excavation principles
• Ability to understand, interpret and use various maps, aerial photography and soils information
• Practical knowledge of conservation methods, techniques, and measures sufficient to select applicable conservation practices
• Understanding of watersheds and hydrologic drainage principles (EFH-2)
• Ability to interpret and apply program policies, procedures and guidelines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office computer programs: Word and Excel
• General knowledge of computers in order to utilize associated engineering programs
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Show initiative, accept responsibility and initiate appropriate actions for work projects
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter and manage time in an efficient manner and meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a team environment
• Ability to coordinate work with other staff, agencies, and organizations
• Ability to work outside during adverse weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of a federal background check
• Regular attendance at work

PREFERED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of conservation issues related to non-point source pollution and the Chesapeake Bay; agricultural operations, soil and water conservation issues, agricultural best management practices and the effects of land use practices on the environment or general knowledge of soil and water conservation issues, policies and technologies
• Customer service and public relations experience
• Understanding and/or working knowledge of contracting guidelines and procedures
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge and basic understanding CAD-Computer Automated Design
• Experience with and ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems-(GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

PHYSICAL REQIREMENTS

This is operative work requiring the exertion of up to and exceeding 30 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Regular required tasks include sitting; talking or hearing, in person and by telephone; using hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office and maintenance/field equipment; and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and stand sometimes on uneven surfaces; in addition, occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.  In addition, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Tasks require alertness to avoid potential hazardous conditions/situations.

OTHER

• Employee evaluations will be conducted to review employee performance
• The SVSWCD follows Rockingham County’s Personnel Policy in addition to approved SVSWCD policies
• Employee is expected to provide own transportation on the job if vehicle is not available; employee is reimbursed at the current SVSWCD approved mileage rate for job-related personal vehicle mileage when the SVSWCD vehicle is not available
• Drug testing may be required
• Opportunities for merit increases are based on funding availability and job performance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by this position.  They are not intended to be constructed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.  Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

All programs and services of the Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, or political beliefs.

The Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt