Conservation Specialist - West Virginia Conservation Agency - 5260110-0

The Conservation Specialist position at the West Virginia Conservation Agency involves providing technical assistance and planning related to agricultural best management practices, stream restoration, and water quality issues. Responsibilities include implementing conservation programs, conducting watershed assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The role requires both office and fieldwork, including travel and physical activity in various weather conditions.
The Conservation Specialist Position, working within the Field Operations Division, provides technical assistance, planning assistance and program information related to agricultural best management practices (BMPs), stream restoration techniques and non-point source (NPS) water quality issues to individual landowners, farmers, and conservation districts. The position is responsible for implementation and coordination of conservation programs that may include the West Virginia Agricultural Enhancement Program (AgEP), Environmental Protection Agency Non-Point Source 319 Program (319), Chesapeake Bay Program (C Bay) and educational programs. There is considerable interaction with the general public, and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will perform related work as required and other duties as assigned.

Provides conservation and nutrient management planning and application assistance, including developing and evaluating conservation plans and implementing WVCA conservation programs.

Plans, designs, and oversees construction for conservation practices, performing record-keeping, soil/forage/manure/water sampling, and other data gathering and evaluation.

Manages associated projects and budgets, prepares progress reports, and attends conservation district board meetings.

Performs monthly and quarterly Operation and Maintenance inspections.

Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, standards, specifications, and requirements.

Conducts watershed assessments, assists with developing and implementing watershed-based plans and grant proposals (e.g., 319, Chesapeake Bay programs).

Performs field investigations for programs like Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) and Stream Restoration, preparing reports of findings and recommendations, including final post-construction close-out.

Assists with other WVCA programs as needed.




Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to develop and implement conservation programs individually or as a team, establishing effective working relationships with officials, co-workers, and the public.

Knowledge of basic principles and practices of conservation planning, nutrient management planning, water quality monitoring/sampling, stormwater management, sediment/erosion control, and natural stream restoration.

Knowledge of basic GIS/GPS systems, surveying techniques, heavy equipment capabilities, and relevant state, federal, and local environmental/natural resource laws and regulations.

Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill programs and Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.

Knowledge of soil fertility, animal nutrition, grassland management, pesticide management, and soil and water conservation practices.

Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to assimilate data and develop detailed reports.

Ability to provide technical leadership and assistance in planning and implementing best management practices.

Ability to traverse rough terrain while carrying field/monitoring equipment.




Work Environment:

This position is a combination of office work and fieldwork that may include but is not limited to; traversing rough terrain, exposure to inclement weather, aerial flights, contact with livestock, operation of small watercraft, and use of bio-security measures. Some travel with overnight stays may be required.



Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.

Experience: None

Education Substitution: Associate degree from an accredited college or university in related field such as agricultural, biology, or environmental science and three (3) years of full-time paid employment in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.
Or
High school diploma and five (5) years of experience in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science. The Education Substitution years of experience must be in addition to the required Experience.

Additional Requirements:

Dependable transportation and valid driver’s license.
Physical ability to lift and maneuver 40 lbs.
Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
Pre-employment law enforcement background investigation.


To Apply Submit Resume to: sstarcher@wvca.us or vacancies@wvca.us