Conservation Planner - Pontiac, United States - IDOA/NRCS/SCSWCD Capacity Building Initiative

Description

Overview of Project:

The purpose of this initiative is to allow the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) to address the conservation staffing capacity challenges and expand Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy efforts in Illinois, increase Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) technical assistance to Illinois CRP participants, and to increase general conservation planning assistance to Illinois landowners, users, and producers.

Job Description:
Conservation planners provide environmental resource management advice, consult about land use and protection, and engage with multiple stakeholders.

Each project is different, but all conservation planners should be familiar with the following duties:

• Identify, analyze and remediate environmental issues and conflicts
• Promote environmental concerns, advocate for pollution prevention and land conservation
• Consult on legislative and policy rulings
• Make land use and conservation advice and recommendations to a variety of parties
• Identify and evaluate conservation issues and conflicts
• Develop and deploy solutions to logístical, ethical or process problems from a conservation standpoint
• Stay up to date on all correspondence, briefing notes, reports, field surveys and other documentation
• Promote environmental management through reports, interactions with clients and the public and presentations
• Commit to building a better community and environment
• Engage with community members at the local and state levels
• Exercise strong interpersonal skills to create pathways to more partnerships
• Work with interdisciplinary government agencies, officials, and community groups

Primary responsibilities include:
Develops Conventional Conservation Plans (35%)

• Assists in gathering and assembling preliminary data for all resource concerns for use in developing complete basic farm conservation plans. Prepares draft drawings identifying problem areas in the field, delineates watershed areas, assesses soil types and performs preliminary layout of conservation practices on aerial photos. Completes assigned plans using most current NRCS webbased programs. Utilizes soil erosion tools such as RUSLE and WEPS and the Pesticide Risk Assessment tool; and other technology tools as part of conservation planning process. Completes the CPA 52, NRCS environmental assessment during the planning stages. Assembles completed farm plan folders according to NRCS procedure. Completes Conservation Planning course as part of requirement to become certified as a conservation planner.
• Conducts engineering surveys and lays out conservation practices and prepares drawings for conservation practices common to the area. Performs engineering surveys under the direction of a NRCS Soil Conservation Technician and/or Engineer. Assists preliminary surveys and practice lay out, measurement, and certification. Maintains accurate field notes, reduces and plots notes, and performs preliminary drafting and simple designs as assigned. Assists with construction checks of conservation practices installed to assure adherence to NRCS standards and specifications. Deviations from plans or standards are reported to supervisor for corrective action.
• Keeps daily records of time and work accomplishments and summarizes time and accomplishments for periodic and special reports.
• Receives intensive and specialized training in all phases of the soil and water conservation programs, including information and education activities, working relationships with district governing body, and other state, federal, and local groups at the county level.
• Travel as needed to complete the assigned duties.

Implements Farm Bill Programs (25%)

• Understands all applicable NRCS, State and Farm Bill programs available to address resource concerns and explains cost share programs and payment procedures to applicants and contract holders. With supervision provides technical assistance to farmers and ranchers about Farm Bill conservation programs.
• With supervision utilizes most current technology programs in the documentation and management of conservation plans and technical assistance by the service center. Utilizes current technology including electronic data collection and geographic information systems to perform duties.
• With supervision provides assistance in administrative, fiscal, and technical responsibilities for a wide variety of farm bill, NRCS and IDOA state programs carried out at the field office which may include but are not limited to Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP),easement programs and Partners for Conservation initiatives.

Contract Review for Compliance with Schedules and Practice Requirements (25%)

Conservation Objectives and Programs Promotion/Assistance to District Conservationist (15%)

• Carries out various duties which enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of soil conservation operations carri