Hillsborough County
Soil and Water Land Conservation Specialist
Hillsborough County, Florida, New York, United States
Salary: $70,010.64
JOBOVERVIEW
ThisjobisassignedtoHillsboroughSoilandWaterConservationDistrict(ConservationDistrict) andwillassisttheBoardofSupervisorsandtheExecutiveDirectorindeliveringtechnicalservices in support of land, soil and water conservation practices within the watersheds that flow through Hillsborough County and into Tampa Bay.The incumbent will provide consultations to landowners and operators, assist in identifying and applying for project funding, and track and monitor the performance of land and water conservation projects, with an emphasis on rural working lands and green infrastructure.The incumbent also will serve as the Conservation District’ssubjectmatterexpertonprogramsandbestmanagementpractices(BMPs),engagewith a diverse group of stakeholders and assist the Executive Director and Board in identifying and developingfundingsourcesanddeliveringeducationalprograms.Theidealcandidatewillhavea bachelor’sormaster’sdegreein agriculture, expertise in geographic information- or agricultural automation systems, excellent communication skills, and a passion for meeting environmental challenges that are associated with rural-working lands.
An incumbentin thispositionisanunclassified(at-will)employeeasdefined inthe Hillsborough County Administrator’s Human Resources Policy Manual.
CORECOMPETENCIESREQUIREDFORTHEJOB
CustomerCommitment
-Proactivelyseekstounderstandtheneedsofcustomers andprovide the highest standards of service. Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity
- Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional,and ethical behaviorsthat establishestrustthroughouttheorganizationand with the public we serve. Organizational Excellence
- Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations. SuccessthroughTeamwork
-Collaboratesandbuildspartnershipsthroughtrustandtheopen exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals. ESSENTIALJOBDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIE S Note : Listed below are the essential/primary functions of the job. These are only illustrative and notexhaustive,anddonotincludemarginaltaskswhicharealsoperformedbutareincidentaltothe essential/primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Personal characteristicsrequiredofallemployees,suchashonesty,industry,sobriety,andtheabilitytoget along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically. Buildandmaintaineffectiveworkingrelationshipswithagriculturalproducers,trade organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies involved in rural lands and green space management. Develop and maintain subject matter expertiseon relevant technologies, policies, regulations and programs related to land, soil and water conservation practices. Effectivelycommunicatecomplexlandmanagementconceptsinawaythatisunderstandable to the general public. Collaborate effectively with team members and partner representatives toward the development and implementation of natural resource conservation programs and projects. AssisttheExecutiveDirectorandBoardof Supervisorsin developingandmanagingprogram fundsthat align with the District’s mission, values and priorities. Assist agricultural producers andrural landowners with preparing applications for external projectfunds. Inspectproperties,identifylandmanagementopportunitiesand liabilities,assist landownersin collecting samples, synthesize and report data, and develop supporting documents for funding opportunities and transactions. Prepare regularreportsongrantprogramactivities, outcomes, andfinancialstatus. Maintainaccuraterecordsanddocumentationrelatedtograntapplications,approvals,and project progress. Ensurethatassignedprojectsadheretograntrequirements,regulations,andethical standards. Promoteandencouragetheadoptionofsustainablefarmingandotherlandmanagement practices for the protection of natural resource values. AdvocatefortheConservationDistrict’spoliciesonbehalfofsustainableagriculture,food security, land use and soil and water management. Maysupervisejunior-levelnaturalresourcesconservationworkers In the absence of the Executive Director, this position may be delegated for predetermined periods of time by the Board Chair, and in a temporary acting capacity, to oversee operations and maintain necessary departmental functions. JOBREQUIREMENTS EnvironmentalKnowledge:Understandingofagriculturalsciences,technologies,policiesandpracticesthatsupportthelong-termviabilityofsoilandwaterresourcesatthelocalandregional scales. CommunicationSkills:StrongverbalandwrittencommunicationskillsinEnglish,including publicspeaking,areessentialforconveyinginformationtothelocalagriculturalproducerand landowneraudience.GoodcommunicationinSpanishisvaluabletothepositionbutisnot a substitute for effective communication skills in English. Networking:Abilitytobuildandmaintainrelationshipswithavarietyofstakeholdersamong tradegroups,landowners,educationalinstitutions,governmentandnon-profitentities. Project Management: Detail-oriented with excellent workload management skills; Progressiveknowledge,skillsandabilitiesintheplanning,organizing,andimplementation of projects (agricultural industry certifications desirable but not required for hire). ResearchandDataAnalysis:Workingknowledgeofgeographicinformationsystemsand or agricultural automation systems (such as Artificial Intelligence or remote sensing) is highlydesirable.Basicskillsincollecting,analyzing,andinterpretingenvironmentaldata. AbilityandwillingnesstoresearchFederal,State,andFoundationalfundingopportunities and support the Executive Director in developing grant applications. Community Engagement: Ability to engage and involve the community in conservation efforts. Ability to master program and technical information well enough to communicate the purpose, benefits and requirements of cooperative agreements associated with Agricultural Best Management Practices. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability and skills to address challenges and find practical solutions. Ability to read, comprehend and analyzea variety of complexwritten communications including legislative documents, policy manuals, operating procedures, rules, and regulations on behalf of the Executive Director and the Board. PolicyAwareness: Stayinformed about relevant environmental policies and regulations and maintain a technical familiarity with relevant laws. Passion for Conservation: Dedication to promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources. Leadership:SoundjudgementandleadershipskillstobestrepresenttheConservationDistrict and the County while engaging with elected and appointed officials and members of the public. MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS Education: At least bachelor's degree in a relevant field of agriculture that addresses the management of land, soil, water, and closely associated ecological systems or in agricultural communications,istypicallyrequiredtoachievethesubjectmatterexpertise.Amaster’sdegreein one of the relevant fields is highly desirable. Experience: At least four years of relevant work experience in addition to a college degree with some combination of land management, soil testing, surface water pollution controls, environmentalwater quality monitoring,or othercloselyrelatednatural resourcemanagementactivitiesispreferred.Amaster’sdegree may substitute. Technical writingexperiences,suchasforprojectplanning,grant applications, project or grant performance reporting, or natural resource journalism is preferred. WORKINGCONDITIONS The job is a combination of fieldworkthat includes site visits to conductground truthing and data collection with office work (data analysis, report writing, project planning, grant application research and development). Stakeholderengagementinpublicsettings,whichmayinvolvepublicorinteragencymeetings, workshops, trade shows, or community events. The incumbent in the position will be expected to operate a County-owned vehicle and may becalleduponoccasionallytoworklatehoursortravelout-of-townandovernighttoconduct operations. PHYSICALDEMANDS The job involves a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, and the physical demands can vary based on the specific tasks assigned. Mustbeabletobein thesunforlongperiodsoftimewhenbusyorinclement weatherwhen busy. Must be able to tolerate sun, pollen, dust, grass and the standard environment. TheCapacityforrepetitiveliftingofweightedobjects,uptofifty(50)poundsisrequired. OutdoorActivities:Mayneedtonavigateuneventerrainandbephysicallyfitforoutdoortasks ininclementweather.Fieldworkofteninvolveswalking,standing,andsometimesdiggingor operating machinery. Driving:Avaliddriver'slicenseisoftenrequired,andtheabilitytodrivetodifferentlocations in a single day is common. This may involve sitting for extended periods while traveling. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License at the date of hire and maintain the same while employed in this position. Technical/professional certifications that are applicable towards the Knowledge, Skills and Abilitiesrequirements(KSA’s)includebutarenotlimitedto:CertifiedAgriculturalConsultant; Geomatics Certificate; Geographic Information Systems Certificate; Agricultural Communications Specialist; AgritechnologySpecialist; ForestrySpecialist; NaturalResources Specialist; and or Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
-Proactivelyseekstounderstandtheneedsofcustomers andprovide the highest standards of service. Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity
- Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional,and ethical behaviorsthat establishestrustthroughouttheorganizationand with the public we serve. Organizational Excellence
- Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations. SuccessthroughTeamwork
-Collaboratesandbuildspartnershipsthroughtrustandtheopen exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals. ESSENTIALJOBDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIE S Note : Listed below are the essential/primary functions of the job. These are only illustrative and notexhaustive,anddonotincludemarginaltaskswhicharealsoperformedbutareincidentaltothe essential/primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Personal characteristicsrequiredofallemployees,suchashonesty,industry,sobriety,andtheabilitytoget along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically. Buildandmaintaineffectiveworkingrelationshipswithagriculturalproducers,trade organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies involved in rural lands and green space management. Develop and maintain subject matter expertiseon relevant technologies, policies, regulations and programs related to land, soil and water conservation practices. Effectivelycommunicatecomplexlandmanagementconceptsinawaythatisunderstandable to the general public. Collaborate effectively with team members and partner representatives toward the development and implementation of natural resource conservation programs and projects. AssisttheExecutiveDirectorandBoardof Supervisorsin developingandmanagingprogram fundsthat align with the District’s mission, values and priorities. Assist agricultural producers andrural landowners with preparing applications for external projectfunds. Inspectproperties,identifylandmanagementopportunitiesand liabilities,assist landownersin collecting samples, synthesize and report data, and develop supporting documents for funding opportunities and transactions. Prepare regularreportsongrantprogramactivities, outcomes, andfinancialstatus. Maintainaccuraterecordsanddocumentationrelatedtograntapplications,approvals,and project progress. Ensurethatassignedprojectsadheretograntrequirements,regulations,andethical standards. Promoteandencouragetheadoptionofsustainablefarmingandotherlandmanagement practices for the protection of natural resource values. AdvocatefortheConservationDistrict’spoliciesonbehalfofsustainableagriculture,food security, land use and soil and water management. Maysupervisejunior-levelnaturalresourcesconservationworkers In the absence of the Executive Director, this position may be delegated for predetermined periods of time by the Board Chair, and in a temporary acting capacity, to oversee operations and maintain necessary departmental functions. JOBREQUIREMENTS EnvironmentalKnowledge:Understandingofagriculturalsciences,technologies,policiesandpracticesthatsupportthelong-termviabilityofsoilandwaterresourcesatthelocalandregional scales. CommunicationSkills:StrongverbalandwrittencommunicationskillsinEnglish,including publicspeaking,areessentialforconveyinginformationtothelocalagriculturalproducerand landowneraudience.GoodcommunicationinSpanishisvaluabletothepositionbutisnot a substitute for effective communication skills in English. Networking:Abilitytobuildandmaintainrelationshipswithavarietyofstakeholdersamong tradegroups,landowners,educationalinstitutions,governmentandnon-profitentities. Project Management: Detail-oriented with excellent workload management skills; Progressiveknowledge,skillsandabilitiesintheplanning,organizing,andimplementation of projects (agricultural industry certifications desirable but not required for hire). ResearchandDataAnalysis:Workingknowledgeofgeographicinformationsystemsand or agricultural automation systems (such as Artificial Intelligence or remote sensing) is highlydesirable.Basicskillsincollecting,analyzing,andinterpretingenvironmentaldata. AbilityandwillingnesstoresearchFederal,State,andFoundationalfundingopportunities and support the Executive Director in developing grant applications. Community Engagement: Ability to engage and involve the community in conservation efforts. Ability to master program and technical information well enough to communicate the purpose, benefits and requirements of cooperative agreements associated with Agricultural Best Management Practices. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability and skills to address challenges and find practical solutions. Ability to read, comprehend and analyzea variety of complexwritten communications including legislative documents, policy manuals, operating procedures, rules, and regulations on behalf of the Executive Director and the Board. PolicyAwareness: Stayinformed about relevant environmental policies and regulations and maintain a technical familiarity with relevant laws. Passion for Conservation: Dedication to promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources. Leadership:SoundjudgementandleadershipskillstobestrepresenttheConservationDistrict and the County while engaging with elected and appointed officials and members of the public. MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS Education: At least bachelor's degree in a relevant field of agriculture that addresses the management of land, soil, water, and closely associated ecological systems or in agricultural communications,istypicallyrequiredtoachievethesubjectmatterexpertise.Amaster’sdegreein one of the relevant fields is highly desirable. Experience: At least four years of relevant work experience in addition to a college degree with some combination of land management, soil testing, surface water pollution controls, environmentalwater quality monitoring,or othercloselyrelatednatural resourcemanagementactivitiesispreferred.Amaster’sdegree may substitute. Technical writingexperiences,suchasforprojectplanning,grant applications, project or grant performance reporting, or natural resource journalism is preferred. WORKINGCONDITIONS The job is a combination of fieldworkthat includes site visits to conductground truthing and data collection with office work (data analysis, report writing, project planning, grant application research and development). Stakeholderengagementinpublicsettings,whichmayinvolvepublicorinteragencymeetings, workshops, trade shows, or community events. The incumbent in the position will be expected to operate a County-owned vehicle and may becalleduponoccasionallytoworklatehoursortravelout-of-townandovernighttoconduct operations. PHYSICALDEMANDS The job involves a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, and the physical demands can vary based on the specific tasks assigned. Mustbeabletobein thesunforlongperiodsoftimewhenbusyorinclement weatherwhen busy. Must be able to tolerate sun, pollen, dust, grass and the standard environment. TheCapacityforrepetitiveliftingofweightedobjects,uptofifty(50)poundsisrequired. OutdoorActivities:Mayneedtonavigateuneventerrainandbephysicallyfitforoutdoortasks ininclementweather.Fieldworkofteninvolveswalking,standing,andsometimesdiggingor operating machinery. Driving:Avaliddriver'slicenseisoftenrequired,andtheabilitytodrivetodifferentlocations in a single day is common. This may involve sitting for extended periods while traveling. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License at the date of hire and maintain the same while employed in this position. Technical/professional certifications that are applicable towards the Knowledge, Skills and Abilitiesrequirements(KSA’s)includebutarenotlimitedto:CertifiedAgriculturalConsultant; Geomatics Certificate; Geographic Information Systems Certificate; Agricultural Communications Specialist; AgritechnologySpecialist; ForestrySpecialist; NaturalResources Specialist; and or Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr