VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Natural Resource Specialist (NRS)
Introduction: The Northwest Area Joint Board of Conservation Districts is seeking a self-motivated person, able to work independently and/or as a member of team in rural northwestern South Dakota. The NRS will provide technical assistance to private landowners, businesses, and units of government i.e. local, state, federal and American Indian Reservation. The NRS will work as a team with conservation districts and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The NRS should have knowledge of basic principles and practices of silviculture. The NRS will become knowledgeable, proficient and keep abreast of revisions of the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, pertaining to conservation practices and related Standards and Specifications pertaining to tree and shrub planting and management. The NRS should be effective at developing and maintaining human relationships and dealing with the public. The NRS must have the ability work outdoors in all types of weather, gather information, make sound and reasonable conclusions and use a computer. Consideration will be given to a combination of education and experience with course work in environment, water, plant, animal, soils, forestry and natural resource management.
Duties: Inspects proposed shelterbelt sites and analyzes soils information to determine need and feasibility for the planting of trees and shrubs. Prepares tree planting plans and fencing plans. Lays out shelterbelts with flags for tree planting and installation of weed control fabric. Inspects existing shelterbelt sites to determine alternatives for renovation and/or management of trees and shrubs. Communicates by U. S. Mail, e-mail, telephone, in groups or one on one with landowners pertaining to tree planting projects, tree health or tree educational efforts. Assists state and federal agencies with utilization of various programs to assist landowners with planting of trees and shrubs for livestock protection, farmstead protection, snow management, soil erosion control, wildlife benefit and etc. Prepares Northwest Area Tree Planting Grant Project Agreements for providing cost share to program participants. Performs checkout, certifies and processes tree planting projects for cost share through Northwest Area Tree Planting Grants. Provides information pertaining to conservation district, state and federal programs, and information and education to farmers, ranchers, homeowners and units of government. Assists farmers, ranchers, homeowners and units of government on tree health issues related to insects and diseases and provides control recommendations per South Dakota State University and South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Conducts information and education efforts including: news releases, radio spots, field days and workshops. Performs other work as assigned.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2016
Send resume’ to: Northwest Area Joint Board, C/O Perkins County, Conservation District, P.O. Box 189, Bison, South Dakota 57620 or by e-mail to: brooklyn.schecher@sd.nacdnet.net.