Soil Conservation Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Encourage and facilitate multi-SWCD program efforts. 
• Work with districts and conservation partners in the development of effective regional educational programs regarding the impact of soil erosion on soil productivity, off-site sedimentation damage and water quality, with emphasis on effective conservation implantation to reduce adverse effects. 
• Develop, conduct, and/or arrange for professional training for SWCD supervisors and employees to strengthen district(s) capacity for fulfilling their legislative mandates and improving soil, water and related natural resource conditions in their respective communities. 
• Provide administrative guidance to SWCDs concerning records, annual meetings, program planning, supervisor elections and appointments, personnel and financial management, and compliance with applicable federal or state laws or administrative code requirements.  
• Provide leadership to SWCDs and other conservation partners for the assessment of local soil and water conservation issues and needs and in formulating long range business plans and annual program plans to address local and regional soil and water conservation issues and needs. 
• Help identify opportunities for expanding district capacity and provide leadership in developing and carrying pilot projects with districts to demonstrate those opportunities.
• Work with districts and their respective county officials to increase local funding for staffing and other resources needed to carry out effective local conservation programs and assist districts in establishing new partners to advance their local conservation programs. 
• Assist districts in developing mutual agreements, contracts for services, grants and other nontraditional sources of funding to support their expanding responsibilities to serve as the local clearinghouse for conservation assistance as well as increase technical assistance to land users. 
• Develop tools for districts to use to document the value of conservation services provided by districts and their partners as well as the economic and societal benefits to their respective counties. 
• Assist DSC leadership in implementation of ICP Strategic Plan, coordinating SWCD support for Strategic Plan success and increasing conservation implementation for local landowners.
• Essential functions of this position require travel on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and write reports at those sites or employee’s home. Employee reports to the agency’s office for occasional meetings or events. Number and timing of work hours may vary daily or weekly to accommodate operational needs and staffing concerns at the client’s or customer’s worksite, minimize expenditures for repeated visits to complete the work, and allocate resources to complete assigned work effectively.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of erosion and sediment control and related water quality considerations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize variable workload.
• Ability to prepare and present educational/informational materials to various types of audiences.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to natural resource issues.
• Advanced knowledge of divisional and departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
• Knowledge of SWCD legal structure, functionality, and mission.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.