Conservation District Agricultural Technician

The Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District is hiring a full-time Conservation District Agricultural Technician in Ellicottville, NY. The role involves technical duties related to conservation practices, including fieldwork and office tasks. Candidates should have relevant experience and a valid driver's license. Salary ranges from $45,000 to $55,000, with various benefits. Preference is given to local applicants from Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany Counties.
The Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) is accepting applications for a Conservation District Agricultural Technician in Ellicottville, New York. This is a full-time appointment, to a permanent competitive class title upon completion of a 1-year probationary period and adherence to Cattaraugus County Civil Service Requirements. Preference will be given to applicants from Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany Counties.

Location: Cattaraugus County SWCD Office, 8 Martha Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Hours: Full-time appointment (40 hours/week).

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, NYS Retirement, NYS Deferred Compensation, Optional Compressed Schedule, Regular Training Opportunities, Vacation, Sick Time & Paid Holidays

Position Description: Conservation District Agricultural Technician will perform a variety of technical duties related to the planning and implementation of conservation practices in Cattaraugus County. District Agricultural Technicians are both field technicians and professional office staff. In the field, technicians will conduct design surveys, hydroseed, carry out field visits, inspect construction projects, assist in flood control structure operation and maintenance, and make environmental management recommendations to landowners and farmers. In the office, technicians will create reports, assist in grant writing and grant administration, utilize GIS mapping software and interact with the public through outreach programs. Technicians will also learn to carry out the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program, assisting with Environmental farm planning and implementation of Best Management practices. The listed job duties are only a fraction of the potential conservation-related work that is possible with this position.

Preferred Experience:

· Microsoft Office Experience

· Forestry Experience

· Surveying Experience

· ArcGIS Pro Experience

· Certified Crop Advisor

· AEM Certified Planner

· NRCS Certified Planner

· NYS Erosion & Sediment Control Certificate or Equivalent

Special Requirements:

· Possession of a valid Driver’s License at the time of appointment.

How To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 PM on May 12, 2025.

Submit a cover letter, resume, 3 references and Cattaraugus County Civil Service employment application by email to tpaar@cattcoswcd.org or in person/by mail to:

Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District

Attn: Tyler Paar

8 Martha Street

P.O. Box 1765

Ellicottville, NY 14731

Cattaraugus County Civil Service Application, available at: https://www.cattco.gov/human-resources/exam-job-app

: Work in this class involves the technical planning and implementation of agricultural conservation programs, services, and best management practices to protect and enhance soil, water, and related natural resources in Cattaraugus County. Incumbents of this class perform a variety of technical duties to assist agricultural producers and landowners, groups, organizations, and units of government related to the planning and establishment of various soil and water conservation practices, primarily in the field of agriculture. An incumbent must work cooperatively with various governmental agencies such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYS DAM), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and others, in the implementation of all District Programs. Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District Field Manager following accepted conservation practices. Direct supervision may be exercised over work crews during the construction of projects to ensure conformance with approved design. A does related work as required.

:

· Coordinate the implementation of established agricultural planning and implementation funding programs;

· Provide technical assistance to landowners and units of government including the survey, design, cost estimate, layout, and implementation and construction inspection of soil and water conservation practices.

· Assist in analyzing potential land use projects for their impact on soil, water, and agricultural resources and provide alternative or mitigating measures.

· Participate on the County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board;

· Collect data and prepare surveys, maps, and specifications concerning potential conservation projects;

· Coordinate and implement assigned resource conservation, earned income and educational programs;

· Assist in the inventory and evaluation of natural resources and management activities, preparing natural resource conservation and development plans for public and private properties;

· Assist with established District earned income programs such as the tree and shrub sale, Ag. Value Assessment program, etc.;

· Provide assistance in the development of erosion and sediment control plans for individual land users, both public and private;

· Assist landowners with filing applications for regulatory permits for conservation practices;

· Assist District staff with annual contract programs including the Flood Control Operation & Maintenance Program and Streambank Restoration Program.

· Prepare work schedules, monthly reports, and program documentation as required;

· Assist with the District’s conservation education programs including the county Envirothon, conservation tours, county fair display, etc. as assigned by the District Manager;

· May submit news articles concerning District programs or other natural resources management issues;

· Attend monthly District Board of Directors meetings and present a report on conservation activities/work;

· May explain to the public the purposes, functions, and programs of the soil and water conservation district.

: Working knowledge of materials and procedures used in the construction of erosion and sentiment control practices, drainage systems, ponds, forests, and other conservation practices; skill in the use of survey instruments; ability to make engineering computations and use engineering tables; ability to interpret plans, charts, and drawings; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; ability to effectively present the conservation program to interested parties; ability to compile and prepare reports; ability to analyze and organize complex data and to prepare records and reports concisely; ability to develop effective working relationships and deal diplomatically with the public, coworkers and other work contacts; ability to maintain records; mechanical aptitude; attention to detail; physical condition sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position

: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and either:

A) Possession of at least an Associate Degree in Agriculture Science, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Environmental Science or Technology, Forestry Management, Natural Resources Conservation, Fish and Wildlife, Agronomy or a related field;

OR

B) Graduation from high school and three (3) years of experience in Soil and Water Conservation or a closely related field;

OR

C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A) and B).

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the New York State Civil Service website. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

: Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of appointment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person