Conservation/Wildlife Technician

Fairfield County Ohio; Lancaster (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District in Lancaster, Ohio seeks a Wildlife/Education Specialist to support NRCS programs, habitat improvements, and community education. The role includes field surveys, design work, and coordination of wildlife workshops.

The position requires a four-year degree or equivalent in natural resources or related fields, a valid Ohio driver’s license, and certifications to be obtained within two years. Occasional after-hours work is possible.

Qualifications

• Requires four-year college degree or equivalent in agriculture, engineering, soil science, forestry, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science, or related field.
• Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable to drive District vehicles.
• Licensure or Certification required to be obtained within 2 years: Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certificate; EPA/ODNR certifications.

Responsibilities

• Survey, design, inspect, and prepare as-builts per NRCS standards.
• Assist in administering EQIP, CRP, H2Ohio, ECP, and RCPP programs.
• Promote habitat and education through liaison with conservation groups and events.
• Organize wildlife workshops and manage pond/habitat projects.
• Assist residents with landowner questions on pond vegetation and fish management.

Skills

GPS/GIS

Education

Four-year college degree or equivalent experience in related field

Job description

Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) located in Lancaster, Ohio is seeking a Wildlife/Education Specialist.

This is a full-time position with a minimum of a 4-year college degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, engineering, soil science, forestry, natural resources, environmental science, wildlife management or related field. A valid Ohio driver’s license and insurable under the District’s automobile policy is required.

Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

I. Essential Ag/Urban Technical Functions:

• Surveys, designs, layouts, inspects, and performs as-builts according to NRCS National Conservation Planning and Procedures Handbook, NRCS Standards and Specifications, and other related handbooks.
• Assistsin administering the State Pollution Abatement Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), H2Ohio, Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
• Develops a thorough understanding of the Engineering Field manual, the Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook, Extension 604 bulletin, and relevant Midwest Plan Service handbooks.
• Utilizes computer-aided drafting, engineering software, and modern surveying techniques to produce quality documents in an efficient manner. This may require courses offered by consultants or colleges.
• Assists with inspections of construction sites for compliance with Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Permit and local regulations.
• Assists with inspections of infrastructure on construction sites for compliance with local regulations.
• Assists with inspections of new home construction sites for compliance with drainage, erosion, and sediment control regulations for local communities.

II. Essential Wildlife/Educational Functions

• Serve as the backup for Silviculture Pollution Abatement complaints in accordance with ODNR procedures
• Assist landowners with District's no-till seeder, and tree planter
• Complete pesticide application training for knowledge for contracted conservation partners and special projects
• Assist NRCS staff with cost-share programs, mid-contract maintenance checks and contract compliance on private land enrolled in USDA programs
• Assist county residents with food plots and wildlife habitat improvements
• Liaison between conservation groups and events to promote habitat and education
• Liaison between conservation groups and events to promote habitat and education
• Assist county residents with nuisance animal problems. Maintain list of hunters/trappers to assist landowners.
• Assist county residents with questions and concerns related to pond vegetation and fish management.
• Organize and host at least one wildlife workshop annually (pond clinic/etc.)
• Follow the ODNR-Division of Wildlife procedures for deer damage permits. Maintain the ODNR-Division of Wildlife’s database of crop damage complaints.
• Be familiar with Ohio hunting and fishing regulations

III. Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops a basic skill level for utilizing GPS/GIS technology.
• Work toward obtaining NRCS job approval authority.
• Provides ideas, suggestions, and actively participates in developing the District newsletter, articles to the newspaper, and creating topics for radio shows.
• Assists other staff in updating and reporting technical workload and creating monthly board reports.
• Participates in maintaining and developing demonstration projects sponsored by FSWCD.
• Coordinates utility locations with OUPS and with utility company representatives.
• Plans various tours and workshops (contractors workshop, etc.).
• Uses & keeps up-to-date Division of Soil & Water and Fairfield Co. approved timekeeping system for time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Additional Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent experience in agricultural, engineering, soil science, forestry, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science or related field.
• Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable to drive District vehicles.
• Licensure or Certification required to be obtained within 2 years:
• Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certificate
• Project Wet (EPA), Wild (ODNR-Division of Wildlife), & Learning Tree (ODNR-Division of Forestry)

Hazardous or Physically Demanding Working Conditions of the Position

• Occasionally performs duties in inclement or severe weather
• Occasionally works outside of normal business hours to complete fieldwork or to present programs
• Occasionally works around heavy equipment
• Occasionally deals with dissatisfied customers
• Occasionally works near/on bodies of water
• Occasionally traverses rough/muddy terrain
• Occasionally works within road right-of-way
• Occasionally applies pesticides
• Occasional heavy lifting