Soil And Water Conservation Program Administrator
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
Performs advanced technical, administrative, and program coordination work in the development, implementation, and management of soil and water conservation programs. This position provides technical assistance to landowners and agricultural producers, administers conservation and cost-share programs, coordinates program activities, and supports the Soil and Water Conservation District Board in achieving conservation goals and objectives.
The employee is responsible for the day-to-day operation and continued development of the Soil and Water Conservation program, including identifying conservation needs, coordinating resources, monitoring program effectiveness, preparing budgets and reports, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and program requirements. The position initially performs both technical and administrative duties independently, with responsibility for developing and expanding program services and assuming supervisory responsibilities as additional personnel are added.
Work is performed under the general direction of the appropriate county authority and in coordination with the Soil and Water Conservation District Board and applicable state and federal conservation agencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND TYPICAL TASKS
Program Administration and Board Support
• Coordinates and manages the day-to-day operations of the Soil and Water Conservation program.
• Serves as a resource to the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, providing technical information, program updates, recommendations, and reports to support decision-making.
• Prepares meeting agendas, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other materials related to program activities.
• Implements Board-approved policies, priorities, and program initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to improve and expand conservation services and develops recommendations for program growth.
• Maintains effective working relationships with county officials, Board members, landowners, agricultural producers, state and federal agencies, and community partners.
• Responds to inquiries and correspondence concerning conservation programs, technical services, funding opportunities, and program requirements.
Technical Conservation Services
• Provides technical assistance to landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders regarding soil and water conservation practices and natural resource management.
• Conducts site inspections, field investigations, surveys, and evaluations to identify conservation concerns and determine appropriate corrective measures.
• Assists landowners in developing and implementing conservation plans consistent with applicable technical standards and guidelines.
• Recommends appropriate best management practices to address erosion, sedimentation, drainage, runoff, water quality, and other natural resource concerns.
• Provides technical guidance regarding waterways, diversions, ditches, agricultural waste management systems, livestock watering facilities, pipelines, ponds, and other conservation improvements.
• Prepares preliminary designs, estimates project costs, evaluates site conditions, and coordinates implementation of approved conservation practices.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify installation, maintenance, and effectiveness of conservation practices.
• Maintains accurate technical records, site documentation, maps, photographs, and project files.
• Coordinates with appropriate technical specialists and regulatory agencies when projects require additional expertise, approvals, or permits.
Program and Grant Administration
• Administers applicable state and federal conservation programs, including agricultural cost-share and other available funding programs.
• Monitors changes in program guidelines, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and applicable regulations.
• Assists applicants with program requirements, applications, documentation, and implementation procedures.
• Reviews project proposals, evaluates conservation needs, develops cost estimates, and coordinates required approvals.
• Monitors project progress, expenditures, and compliance with applicable program requirements.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of applications, agreements, reimbursements, inspections, and project outcomes.
• Prepares required program reports, reimbursement requests, performance summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Identifies potential funding sources and opportunities to increase program participation and conservation outcomes.
Budgeting, Planning, and Program Development
• Develops annual operating and program budget recommendations based on anticipated needs, funding availability, and Board priorities.
• Monitors expenditures, maintains financial documentation, and identifies potential budgetary concerns.
• Assists with purchasing, equipment needs, supplies, and other operational requirements.
• Establishes program goals, identifies service needs, and develops strategies for expanding conservation services.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends changes to improve efficiency, participation, and service delivery.
• Develops plans for future staffing, equipment, resources, and operational capacity as program responsibilities expand.
• Maintains program data and prepares reports to document activities, accomplishments, expenditures, and measurable outcomes.
Future Staff Supervision and Development
• As additional personnel are authorized and hired, assigns and reviews work, establishes priorities, and coordinates daily activities.
• Participates in recruitment, selection, orientation, training, and professional development of program staff.
• Provides technical guidance and evaluates employee performance in accordance with applicable county policies.
• Develops procedures and work standards to promote consistency, accountability, safety, and quality of service.
• Coordinates staffing schedules, workload distribution, and program coverage to meet operational needs.
Other Duties
• Attends meetings, training sessions, conferences, and professional development activities relevant to conservation and natural resource management.
• Maintains professional knowledge of current conservation practices, technical standards, and applicable regulations.
• Operates county vehicles and technical equipment as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, agricultural practices, natural resource management, and environmental protection.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs, policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Knowledge of conservation planning, erosion and sediment control, drainage, water quality protection, and best management practices.
• Ability to conduct field investigations, evaluate site conditions, identify conservation concerns, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to interpret technical guidelines, plans, maps, surveys, specifications, and related documentation.
• Ability to administer programs, maintain accurate records, monitor budgets, and prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Board members, landowners, agricultural producers, county officials, agency representatives, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and make recommendations within established policies and program guidelines.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and develop program operations and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Ability to provide leadership, training, and work direction and to supervise personnel as staffing expands.
• Ability to use computers, standard office software, databases, mapping applications, and relevant technical equipment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, soil science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or a closely related field, and relevant experience in soil and water conservation, agricultural practices, natural resource management, or program administration.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience may be considered in accordance with applicable county policies.
Experience administering conservation programs, coordinating projects, providing technical assistance, preparing budgets and reports, or working with state and federal conservation agencies is desirable. Experience in program development, project coordination, leadership, or staff supervision is preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Ability to travel to project sites, conduct field inspections, and work outdoors under varying environmental and weather conditions.
Ability to obtain and maintain any technical certifications or program-specific credentials required for assigned duties.
Qualified applicants may complete a PD-107 found at www.richmondnc.com and return to one of the following:
Email to: apply@richmondnc.com
Mail to Richmond County Human Resources, PO Box 504, Rockingham, NC 28380 OR
Fax to 910-410-1127 OR
Drop off in a sealed envelope in the red drop box at 125 Caroline Street, Rockingham NC 28379 OR
Apply online at NCWorks.gov or in person at the NCWorks Career Center at 115 W Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379 OR
Online at Indeed.com.
HR will not accept phone calls, voicemails, emails and/or in person appointments for the purpose of checking on the status of an application.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Richmond County is an EOE.
Performs advanced technical, administrative, and program coordination work in the development, implementation, and management of soil and water conservation programs. This position provides technical assistance to landowners and agricultural producers, administers conservation and cost-share programs, coordinates program activities, and supports the Soil and Water Conservation District Board in achieving conservation goals and objectives.
The employee is responsible for the day-to-day operation and continued development of the Soil and Water Conservation program, including identifying conservation needs, coordinating resources, monitoring program effectiveness, preparing budgets and reports, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and program requirements. The position initially performs both technical and administrative duties independently, with responsibility for developing and expanding program services and assuming supervisory responsibilities as additional personnel are added.
Work is performed under the general direction of the appropriate county authority and in coordination with the Soil and Water Conservation District Board and applicable state and federal conservation agencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND TYPICAL TASKS
Program Administration and Board Support
• Coordinates and manages the day-to-day operations of the Soil and Water Conservation program.
• Serves as a resource to the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, providing technical information, program updates, recommendations, and reports to support decision-making.
• Prepares meeting agendas, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other materials related to program activities.
• Implements Board-approved policies, priorities, and program initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to improve and expand conservation services and develops recommendations for program growth.
• Maintains effective working relationships with county officials, Board members, landowners, agricultural producers, state and federal agencies, and community partners.
• Responds to inquiries and correspondence concerning conservation programs, technical services, funding opportunities, and program requirements.
Technical Conservation Services
• Provides technical assistance to landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders regarding soil and water conservation practices and natural resource management.
• Conducts site inspections, field investigations, surveys, and evaluations to identify conservation concerns and determine appropriate corrective measures.
• Assists landowners in developing and implementing conservation plans consistent with applicable technical standards and guidelines.
• Recommends appropriate best management practices to address erosion, sedimentation, drainage, runoff, water quality, and other natural resource concerns.
• Provides technical guidance regarding waterways, diversions, ditches, agricultural waste management systems, livestock watering facilities, pipelines, ponds, and other conservation improvements.
• Prepares preliminary designs, estimates project costs, evaluates site conditions, and coordinates implementation of approved conservation practices.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify installation, maintenance, and effectiveness of conservation practices.
• Maintains accurate technical records, site documentation, maps, photographs, and project files.
• Coordinates with appropriate technical specialists and regulatory agencies when projects require additional expertise, approvals, or permits.
Program and Grant Administration
• Administers applicable state and federal conservation programs, including agricultural cost-share and other available funding programs.
• Monitors changes in program guidelines, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and applicable regulations.
• Assists applicants with program requirements, applications, documentation, and implementation procedures.
• Reviews project proposals, evaluates conservation needs, develops cost estimates, and coordinates required approvals.
• Monitors project progress, expenditures, and compliance with applicable program requirements.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of applications, agreements, reimbursements, inspections, and project outcomes.
• Prepares required program reports, reimbursement requests, performance summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Identifies potential funding sources and opportunities to increase program participation and conservation outcomes.
Budgeting, Planning, and Program Development
• Develops annual operating and program budget recommendations based on anticipated needs, funding availability, and Board priorities.
• Monitors expenditures, maintains financial documentation, and identifies potential budgetary concerns.
• Assists with purchasing, equipment needs, supplies, and other operational requirements.
• Establishes program goals, identifies service needs, and develops strategies for expanding conservation services.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends changes to improve efficiency, participation, and service delivery.
• Develops plans for future staffing, equipment, resources, and operational capacity as program responsibilities expand.
• Maintains program data and prepares reports to document activities, accomplishments, expenditures, and measurable outcomes.
Future Staff Supervision and Development
• As additional personnel are authorized and hired, assigns and reviews work, establishes priorities, and coordinates daily activities.
• Participates in recruitment, selection, orientation, training, and professional development of program staff.
• Provides technical guidance and evaluates employee performance in accordance with applicable county policies.
• Develops procedures and work standards to promote consistency, accountability, safety, and quality of service.
• Coordinates staffing schedules, workload distribution, and program coverage to meet operational needs.
Other Duties
• Attends meetings, training sessions, conferences, and professional development activities relevant to conservation and natural resource management.
• Maintains professional knowledge of current conservation practices, technical standards, and applicable regulations.
• Operates county vehicles and technical equipment as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, agricultural practices, natural resource management, and environmental protection.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs, policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Knowledge of conservation planning, erosion and sediment control, drainage, water quality protection, and best management practices.
• Ability to conduct field investigations, evaluate site conditions, identify conservation concerns, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to interpret technical guidelines, plans, maps, surveys, specifications, and related documentation.
• Ability to administer programs, maintain accurate records, monitor budgets, and prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Board members, landowners, agricultural producers, county officials, agency representatives, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and make recommendations within established policies and program guidelines.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and develop program operations and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Ability to provide leadership, training, and work direction and to supervise personnel as staffing expands.
• Ability to use computers, standard office software, databases, mapping applications, and relevant technical equipment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, soil science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or a closely related field, and relevant experience in soil and water conservation, agricultural practices, natural resource management, or program administration.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience may be considered in accordance with applicable county policies.
Experience administering conservation programs, coordinating projects, providing technical assistance, preparing budgets and reports, or working with state and federal conservation agencies is desirable. Experience in program development, project coordination, leadership, or staff supervision is preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Ability to travel to project sites, conduct field inspections, and work outdoors under varying environmental and weather conditions.
Ability to obtain and maintain any technical certifications or program-specific credentials required for assigned duties.
Qualified applicants may complete a PD-107 found at www.richmondnc.com and return to one of the following:
Email to: apply@richmondnc.com
Mail to Richmond County Human Resources, PO Box 504, Rockingham, NC 28380 OR
Fax to 910-410-1127 OR
Drop off in a sealed envelope in the red drop box at 125 Caroline Street, Rockingham NC 28379 OR
Apply online at NCWorks.gov or in person at the NCWorks Career Center at 115 W Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379 OR
Online at Indeed.com.
HR will not accept phone calls, voicemails, emails and/or in person appointments for the purpose of checking on the status of an application.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Richmond County is an EOE.