Maryland's Eastern Shore:

This position will learn the principles of soil and water conservation planning within the Soil Conservation District in an effort to achieve the Watershed Implementation (WIP)Goals for Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection. This includes soil and water conservation principles and techniques related to identifying resource concerns on agricultural land. Will receive technical guidance from USDA, NRCS staff, and work with experienced conservation planners in the District.

• Participate in assigned training to learn the principles and skills necessary to identify and address resource concerns on agricultural land, develop soil conservation and water quality plans, and to obtain USDA, NRCS Level I Planner Certification.
• Learn to develop or revise a soil conservation and water quality plan that identifies and addresses resource concerns with consideration for the needs and priorities of the farming operation, and meets guidelines and standards as defined by MDA or USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service.
• Learn to meet planning goals that address cropland, pasture and headquarters acres, which is consistent with WIP III planning goals.
• Learn program eligibility requirements and opportunities of the Conservation Grants Cover Crop Program, to provide assistance to participating agricultural landowners and operators.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

Experience: None.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils, and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, including 3 credit hours in soils work for the required education.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources, agriculture or a related field and one year of experience in soil and water conservation work for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and two additional years of experience in soil and water conservation for the required education.

5. Candidates may substitute planning, engineering or program administration experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agricultural or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

6. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in certain positions in this classification may be required to become Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planners (USDA/NRCS-General Manual, Title 180, Part 409).

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.

If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.