CONSERVATION AIDE
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position exists in the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District and performs a variety of technical duties related to the establishment of conservation practices concerning land and water on public and private properties. Employees in this class are expected to assist in various projects such as coordinating natural resource projects/programs with the public, coordinating informational/educational activities related to natural resource conservation, collecting data, and at times assist with various field work such as surveying or hydroseeding. Work is performed under direct supervision of the District Manager. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Implements natural resource programs and tasks;
Coordinate education and outreach programs including distributing materials, organize newsletters, give presentations, and coordinate public events for all ages;
Coordinate District Tree & Shrub Conservation sale and assists with the earned income programs administered by the Soil & Water Conservation District;
Assists with a wide variety of erosion control, water quality, and agricultural field work issues;
Interact with public, including answering questions from public related to natural resources;
Act as liaison with watershed committees and other local conservation groups;
Assist landowners with regulatory permit applications as needed;
May collect data;
Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of principles and practices of environment science and natural resource conservation; Ability to coordinate with people and other organizations to complete successful projects and programs; Working knowledge of agriculture operation and practices; Knowledge of environment regulation and permitting is desirable. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to work with maps/aerial photographs or utilize ArcMap GIS.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee constantly is required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, feel or grasp. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly work outside in all weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to cold weather. The employee may be required to walk long distances through challenging terrain at times.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, and EITHER:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree in environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource conservation, agriculture science, natural sciences, or related field;
OR:
B. Two (2) years of experience in natural resource protection, education, agriculture, land surveying, landscaping, engineering, construction or a related field;
OR:
C. An equivalent combination of training and experience defined by the limits of A or B above.
NOTE: Part-time or volunteer work will be considered on a pro-rated basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a New York State Driver’s License; must pass a Federal Background Check and drug screening test.
Competitive Class