Now Hiring: Nautral Resource Specialist

Job Purpose

This is an entry-level position shared between the Louisville work unit of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The employee will serve as a Natural Resource Specialist and carry out duties prescribed to them by both entities to advance their mission.

A Natural Resource Specialist is assigned to the field office (FO) and services all the counties within the NRCS work unit. For this agreement the partner employee may be assigned to multiple NRCS work units as needed. The incumbent is responsible for providing technical support services and scheduling the installation and application of conservation practices. Works within a team concept to develop and implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and/or services provided to internal and external customers. The work requires review of financial assistance requests under the provisions of federal agricultural programs.

NRCS Duties

1. Application and Ranking process assistance for the Farm Bill Programs. 

a. Assist with public information activities providing NRCS guidance and policy for the program application process. 

b. Assist with onsite evaluation in gathering and compiling planning data during the ranking process. 

c. Assist NRCS with the task of gathering aerial photos, land use maps, soil and topo maps, and any other pre-planning data to determine resource concerns and needs. 

d. Gathering preliminary engineering design data to assist in completing cost estimates during the ranking and planning evaluation period. 

e. Documenting existing resource concerns with photos and recording details as directed by NRCS staff. 

2. Planning and contracting period process. 

a. Assist NRCS staff with completion of CPA-52. 

b. Assist with preliminary engineering surveys as directed by NRCS staff. c. Gather preliminary planning data for required contract items. 

d. Assist NRCS by developing maps (soils, location, watershed, etc.). 

e. As requested, assist NRCS with developing planning documents in the appropriate software. 

f. Be willing to obtain apprentice level planner certification and appropriate Job Approval Authority, if the need is identified by NRCS. 

3. Installation of Conservation Practices and Reporting process. 

a. Provide assistance to customers in completing required documentation such as engineering designs, specifications, and paperwork in accordance with the established guidelines. 

b. Assist NRCS staff with completion of as-built documentation, which could include verifying layout, determining if engineering designs were followed, and documenting any issues found at the site. 

c. Complete construction checkouts of practices to determine that specifications are met. 

d. Obtaining photos of practices after installation and completing any required photo practice certification.

e. Monitor practice installation to ensure that design issues are identified and  resolved to minimize impact to implementation practices schedule. 

f. Assist with annual status reviews or contract reviews to ensure contracts/plans are  within policy. 

g. Monitor/Follow up with construction to ensure that practice follows the  specification guidelines. 

h. Performs all duties in a manner supportive of a safe and healthy work  environment, and exercises safety precautions when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, extreme temperatures, etc. 

i. Assist NRCS with success stories related to the mission of the agency. 

j. Be willing to obtain apprentice level planner certification and appropriate Job Approval Authority, if the need is identified by NRCS 

4. State Cost Share Program 

a. Serve as the primary point of contact for public information activities and policy for the program application process. 

b. Provide assistance to customers in completing required documentation for the state cost share program. 

5. Civil Rights: 

a. Performs duties in a manner which actively supports civil rights policies  regarding personnel rules and regulations and delivery of NRCS programs and  services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or mental and physical handicap. 

6. Performs other relative duties as assigned in order to carry-out Farm Bill and Kentucky State Cost Share Program activities.

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District is a special purpose government entity that exists to promote the conservation of Jefferson County’s renewable natural resources. In its efforts to do so, the District administers financial, technical, and educational assistance to residents of Jefferson County.

The Natural Resource Specialist will be expected to administer programs and offer technical assistance to residents of Jefferson County at the direction of the District’s Board of Supervisors.

SWCD Duties

Administer the District’s new Watershed Education and Outreach Program

1. The Natural Resource Specialist will be tasked with facilitating the aims of the program as follows:

2. Assisting in the development of educational outreach materials in conjunction with Louisville MSD, the Kentucky Division of Water, and the Jefferson-Louisville Metro Land Development Code on Riparian Buffer requirements, floodplain requirements, and best management practices for land adjacent to the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek.

3. Expand the previously existing Every Drop Program - begun as a Kentucky Waterways Alliance initiative, in partnership with Louisville MSD. The program previously provided technical assistance and funding for property owners to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as riparian buffer plantings, tree planting, use of rain gardens, or native plant gardens, installing rain barrels, as well as providing volunteer opportunities. The Natural Resource Specialist will help facilitate its revival under the Conservation District, by promotion of current programming and coordination with community partners.

4. Site Improvements at the Beargrass Trailhead at Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive - This highly visible Middle Fork Beargrass Creek area had been recently cleared due to safety concerns and spread of invasive plant species. Through a partnership with Louisville Parks and Recreation, Parks & Recreation Natural Areas, and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, the 319 Grant will fund a creekside community trash clean up, the installation of a riparian meadow using native plants, and a community tree planting event. The Natural Resource Specialist will be responsible for assisting in facilitating these events in collaboration with the District’s community partners.

5. Riparian and Stream Buffer Workshops - Providing education on water conservation as well as technical installation of required landscape buffers along streams and waterways. Classes and Hands-on Workshops will be held within the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek watershed to educate residents and promote community awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy buffer along our waterways.

Administer Rain Barrel Program: Conduct workshops and provide technical assistance for the installation and maintenance of rain barrels.

Administer Rain Garden Workshops: Conduct workshops and provide technical assistance to the community on the proper construction of rain gardens for stormwater detention.

Administer Urban Forestry Program: Tree seedling plantings/giveaways.

Make field visits to concerned residents to offer technical assistance for issues related to watersheds and sinkholes.

Collaborate directly with the District’s Soil Conservation Technician to assist with their assigned programs, as need arises.

Reporting:

1. Daily log of tasks performed on Federal, State Cost Share or Local Cost Share projects/programs. Ensure the NRCS supervisory district conservationist signs the daily log at the month’s end.

2. Monthly progress reports to the Board of Supervisors meeting.

3. Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) progress report every six months.

4. Quarterly KACD Success Story.

Other duties include:

1. Assist in promotion of Conservation District Programs (tabling, social media posts, and informational sessions).

2. Collaboration with Conservation District community partners.

3. Collaboration with other District staff and Supervisors to maintain and update program materials and information.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in the fields of earth science—agriculture and biology are desired. Equivalent experience and background will be weighed in lieu of a degree.

Required Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Working knowledge of Google Suite products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, etc.).

• Strong professional skills: timeliness in communications, collaboration with other staff, and maintenance of a professional environment.

• Knowledge of gardening, soils, plant growth, and water quality initiatives.

• Ability to develop educational materials like brochures and flyers, and communicate initiatives effectively to the public.

• Ability to manage time independently with little direct oversight, to coordinate events, and to file reports promptly.

Physical Requirements

This position requires work outdoors. Applicants should be able to stand for extended periods of time and lift objects up to 50 (fifty) pounds unassisted.

Pay & Benefits

This is a full-time position with a starting rate of $20/hour. The District participates in the Kentucky Public Pension, mandatory employee participation begins after a 3 month probationary period. Limited healthcare expense reimbursement included.