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Agricultural Technician

Ohio Department of Agriculture
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This position is posted on behalf of Adams County SWCD. Applications will be shared with the SWCD office as they are received.

Competitive Salary: $18.00 / hour

Who We Are:

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! 

The Adams Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) was formed on May 16, 1941. The District is a local unit of government and legal subdivision of the State of Ohio. Adams SWCD was organized for the purpose of developing a program for the conservation of soil and water resources. It's governed by a board of supervisors that is composed of five local individuals elected by landowners and residents of Adams County. 

The mission of the Adams Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is to provide leadership and services that enable our District to conserve, protect, and enhance our natural resources.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

The Adams Soil and Water Conservation District (Adams SWCD) is seeking candidates for an Agricultural Technician position. This position has four principal responsibilities: 

  1. Provide technical information to the public regarding conservation planning and construction.
  2. Assist NRCS with technical work on conservation practices.
  3. Provide environmental education to the public.
  4. Elevate the District’s presence and programs through public outreach using technology such as district website, social media platforms, and other audio and visual tools as well as newspaper articles, radio shows and public engagement events.

At least 50% of employee time must be spent on duties related to NRCS’s programs including but not limited to the following categories: 

  • Soil health Nitrogen Management Livestock partnership Grazing and pasture Agroforestry, Forestry and Wildlife Habitat Energy, Combustion and Electricity Efficiency Wetlands Respond in accordance with ODA’s Standard Operating Procedures for Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program. 
  • Assist in program outreach, planning, and implementation of H2Ohio and related programs.
  • Facilitate and participate in agricultural educational programming, networking, and coordination. 
  • Work with local NRCS staff to implement conservation planning and programming. Assist with Local Work Group Meetings 
  • Assist other district staff as needed and promote District programs in all situations. 
  • Attend all training and workshops as deemed necessary by the District Administrator. 
  • Prepare and present monthly reports to the Board, or as requested, attend monthly Board meetings. 
  • Utilize the Beehive data management system or any subsequently implemented database system for time sheets, project tracking, and project development and submit all required reports. 
  • Other duties as assigned or approved by the Board or District Administrator.

Job Qualifications:

  • High school graduate. 
  • Experience, education or higher degree in agriculture, environmental science, biology, natural resources or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) preferred. 
  • Must hold a valid state driver’s license, have and maintain automobile insurance, be able to secure a certificate of insurance for “drive other cars”, have and be able to drive personal vehicle while at work when needed for work (will be compensated per mile), have the physical ability to maneuver rough and steep terrain on foot
  • Must be able to pass the federal background check that would enable them to use the USDA computers and maintain that certification. 
  • Must become proficient with hardware and software technology pertaining to GIS, AutoCAD, surveying equipment, and/or other agricultural equipment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Highly self-motivated individual that is able to work without immediate supervision and properly manage their own work schedule and appointments. 
  • Must demonstrate a willingness to share information to promote conservation with coworkers, partners, and the public. 
  • Adaptable to an evolving work environment. 
  • Able to meet deadlines and be polite and courteous in all dealings with fellow staff, partnering agencies, elected officials, clients and the public. 
  • Able to work outside regular business hours including evenings and weekends as needed as well as going outside the county for meetings or training and stay overnight, if necessary.

All duties and actions taken by the incumbent of this position while on official duty will be performed in a safe and healthful manner and will be of a nature to reflect favorably on the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District.

What’s in it for You:

Benefits

  • Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered in addition to dental and vision.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Life insurance, Medicare and workers’ compensation

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

  • OPERS is the retirement system for public employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement.  The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

All district and NRCS programs and positions are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, marital status, family status, disability, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

Supplemental Information

  • Must agree to submit to a pre-employment drug test The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check (local and state).
  • Occasional evening or weekend work hours for meetings, field days, or public events.

Equipment Operation Requirements:

Equipment the employee must be able to operate includes computer hardware/software used for GIS mapping as well as standard office equipment and proficiently operate audio/visual equipment and other technical equipment as necessary. Employee must also be able to drive an automobile, mini-van, ATV and pickup truck as well as tow or back a trailer. 

Work Environment Hazards of the Position:

Hazards of this job that the employee should be aware of include, but are not limited to, rough and dangerous terrain, working outside in inclement weather, sunburn, poison ivy, insect and animal bites, driving in inclement weather, radiation from computer monitors and CPU, carpal tunnel syndrome from typing on a computer keyboard, eye strain, and stiffness of the body from sitting for long hours.

For questions please contact Bill Wickerham with Adams SWCD at wickerham.adams.swcd@live.com