POSITION TITLE: SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN (GS6-1)

SALARY:                  $51,957 (BASED ON HOURLY RATE OF $24.98/HR)

POSITION TYPE:    FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT*

LOCATION:             UPPER MARLBORO, MD (Prince George’s County)

START DATE:         IMMEDIATE

BENEFITS:               100% employer-paid Health Insurance, Federal Holidays, Sick & Annual leave accrual, 401(k) retirement plan, and additional benefits. **  

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The RC&D has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund a soil conservation technician position to serve the NRCS Field Office in Prince George’s County. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical support services to the Field Office including design and scheduling the installation of conservation practices. The principal duty station for this position will be at the Soil Conservation District office located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment.  “Helping People Help the Land”.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Application

• Provides technical guidance to farmers and landowners about best conservation practices to address natural resource concerns on their properties.
• Checks application feasibility and makes preliminary engineering surveys gathering design data for structures requiring engineering application. Uses AutoCAD and other software to prepare engineered designs based on NRCS standards for review and approval by Lays out construction ground controls by location cut and fill stakes, running level lines and other control lines, using rod, level and transit.
• Provides on-site construction checks of completed practices to determine that specifications are met. Completes and submits the as-built designs of constructed practices for final certification.
• Provides information to farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents on the kinds of assistance available from NRCS and other state and federal agencies, including the nature of the programs and how and where to apply for
• Explains cost-share payment procedures to farmers, inspects proposed sites, determines need and feasibility of conservation practices, advises on-site selections, performs layout work, and supervises construction of practices for which the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has technical responsibility.
• Establishes and/or carries out a follow-up schedule to check progress made in carrying out conservation Recognizes when revisions to plans are needed and obtains data which expedites revision of plans.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Data Collection

• Gathers and compiles planning data on rural and/or urban sites, including physical features such as soil limitations, erosion, surface drainage, and sedimentation for evaluation and development of natural resources conservation plans by a professional soil

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates must be High School graduates with at least 1 year of experience working in an agricultural, engineering, surveying, or resource conservation related field.
• Knowledge and skill in interpreting and applying technical manuals, specifications, topographic maps and standard construction blueprint designs.
• Ability to complete basic surveying and drafting Experience with AutoCAD or similar software is preferred.
• Practical knowledge of soil, water, and other factors sufficient to determine appropriate crop suitability, sediment control measures, and drainage
• Knowledge of basic survey and engineering activities and practices to prepare preliminary engineering plans based on standard designs for review and approval by the district conservationist or other higher graded employees.
• Knowledge of agricultural operations and federal and state conservation programs is advantageous.

In addition, the following are expected of applicants:

• The ability to communicate with landowners, farmers, conservation planners, and contractors.
• The ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities, projects, and tasks.
• The ability to conduct field work, where physical exertion is required for activities such as walking through dense vegetation, traversing ditches and streams, wading through wet soils, walking long distances through woods and crop fields, and carrying GPS, survey, and other equipment for habitat assessment and monitoring. Candidates must be willing to work in hot, cold, and wet field conditions, with exposure to annoying and biting insects, livestock, and operating agricultural and construction equipment.
• The candidate must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to relocate or commute to duty station.
• The ability to have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit.
• The Candidate must have US Citizenship.
• A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state and national law enforcement agencies. Security clearance is not a requirement.

(*) This is a position that is funded through a grant agreement with NRCS and is contingent upon funding.

**Additional Benefits: these benefits are subject to change based on contract negotiations between NRCS and RC&D. Benefits may change from year to year, both in scope and amount.

• Travel: a certain amount of mileage (based on the current federal mileage rate) or fuel reimbursement may be allocated. Other travel expenses like meals and lodging, as outlined in the employee handbook, are also reimbursable.
• Training and Meetings: a certain amount of funding may be allocated to attend training events and other meetings (ex: annual dinners and conferences). Funding may include registration fees and travel costs (per the employee handbook), depending on the amount of funding available.
• Tuition Assistance: a certain amount of funding per employee may be allocated for tuition reimbursement (per guidelines in the employee handbook), provided it falls within the scope of their duties and is approved by their supervisor.
• Supplies: a certain amount of funding may be allocated to cover supplies or materials (ex: boots or specialized tools) that are needed to perform their duties or provide a more comfortable and safe working environment (ex: masks, air purifier, cleaning wipes). Supply requests are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Director and your direct supervisor. Please send any requests for supplies to the administrative associate for approval.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email Resume, Cover Letter, and 3 professional references to: somdrcd@somdrcd.org

ACCEPTING RESUMES THROUGH MARCH 20, 2026

The Southern Maryland RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the Southern Maryland RC&D Board are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.