Conservation Specialist
| Conservation Specialist |
| ID: |
AWV-030 |
Location: |
Elkins |
Program: |
ACE |
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| Wage/Hr: |
$27.00 |
Hours/Week: |
16 |
Minimum Age: |
55 |
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Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Agricultural Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Agricultural support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through a grant administered program awarded to National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise, and experience will truly be valued. The ACES program provides an opportunity to work side-by-side with NRCS staff that are doing important work every day. Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period. Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an "at-will" relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee. NOTE: An "ACES Enrollee" is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An "ACES Enrollee" is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions. This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.
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Basic Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in Specialized field related to duties and/or BA/BS Degree in Wildlife; Natural Resource Management.
- Valid State Driver's license.
- Applicants MUST be a minimum age of 55 in order to be considered for this role.
- Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
Duties/Responsibilities:
Position is part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on whole-farm conservation planning, assists NRCS field offices in the Tygart Valley Conservation District with technical functions of organizing and implementing natural resource conservation programs in West Virginia.
- Will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on whole-farm conservation planning, assists NRCS field offices in the Tygarts Valley Conservation District with technical functions of organizing and implementing natural resource conservation programs in West Virginia. Will also plan, design, and inspect conservation practices with a focus on wildlife and stream resources. Typical practices include the following: Riparian Forest Buffer (391), Riparian Herbaceous Buffer (390), Brush Management (314), Herbaceous Weed treatment (315), Streambank & Shoreline Protection (580), Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490), Tree/Shrub Establishment (612), Early Successional Habitat Development/Management (647). Listing not all-inclusive. 30%
- Meet with land users to identify problems and opportunities and determine objectives. Inventory and analyze resource data to complete assessments and formulate and evaluate alternatives to address resource concerns and opportunities. 30%
- Serve as a subject matter expert alongside NRCS State Biologist and NRCS State Resource Conservationist regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations related to T&E and Species of Concern for NRCS supported projects, as needed. This position in Elkins, WV is home to USFWS, and coordination of efforts related to the Endangered Species Act may be necessary. 20%
- Prepare site-specific implementation requirements for the customer?s preferred alternative. Work with local NRCS staff to ensure information is translated into a Conservation Plan as a Record of Decision following appropriate planning policy. 10%
- Inspects completed practices to determine if NRCS standards and specifications are met. Will document findings using NRCS-CPA-06 Conservation Assistance Notes, implementation requirements sheets, photographs, etc., and provides documentation to supervisor for certification. Provides technical assistance on proper operation and maintenance to customers. 10%
Other:
- Annual information system security, anti-harassment, and civil rights training.
- Travel Requirements: Occasional travel as needed for training or to perform duties.
- Health and Safety Considerations: Field work with potential exposure to adverse weather and/or other conditions.
- Required Safety Gear: Boots and occasionally hard-hat when working around heavy equipment.
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NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.