AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST

Job Description

Rate: Salary is Commensurate with experience

Dauphin County Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Agricultural Specialist. The objective of the employee in this role is to educate and assist the agricultural community in understanding the purpose and importance of implementation of conservation practices that protect and enhance our soil and water resources. The person in this position also facilitates the implementation of agricultural best management practices within Dauphin County. Salary is Commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions of this Position:

1. A person in this position cultivates positive working relationships with the Dauphin County agricultural community to promote and implement good conservation planning, proper management of nutrients and the installation and maintenance of best management practices as required for successful management of soil and water resources.
2. Provides a timely response to a request for conservation planning assistance and develop a timeline for development of farm conservation plan. Farm conservation plans shall be developed with accuracy and detail as required to meet or exceed minimum requirements. A component part of conservation planning is the education of the farm operator/owner in relation to the function, implementation and maintenance of the plan.
3. Prepares or reviews nutrient management plans in a timely manner with attention to detail and accuracy in accordance with current applicable nutrient management regulations and standards.
4. Promotes and administers, in a fair and equitable manner, financial assistance programs in accordance with policies and procedures established by the funding source and the Conservation District Directors. All contracts and financial records shall be organized to permit timely retrieval of information, current and maintained, with accuracy and attention to detail.
5. Provides education outreach through one-on-one contacts, field days, workshops, publications, mailings and news releases to inform Dauphin County farmers/landowners of regulations and the value of proper nutrient management and conservation planning in relation to our soil and water resources.
6. Maintains an agricultural database that is updated on a weekly basis. Information relating to conservation plans, nutrient management plans, financial assistance, requests, complaints and one on one visits shall be accurately entered into appropriate data bases.
7. Conducts program compliance inspections and complaints in a professional, courteous and timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in agriculture, civil engineering or related natural resource field or an appropriate
• amount of practical related experience. Computer training required.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years working experience in field of public or private soil conservation preferred but not required.
• 1-2 years of working experience in the agricultural sector preferred but not required.

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.