Water Conservation Program Assistant for Irrigation

The Water Conservation Program Assistant at Manatee County Government provides administrative and technical support for various horticulture and water conservation programs. Responsibilities include assisting with irrigation evaluations, preparing reports, and representing the program at outreach events. The role requires knowledge of environmental issues, experience with ARC GIS and Survey123, and involves both indoor office work and outdoor fieldwork. The position is located in Palmetto, FL, and is not remote.
Work Location: 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $17.36 - $21.70

Provides administrative, technical, and outreach assistance for assigned Extension program. Areas of assignment include Commercial and Ornamental Horticulture, Environmental Horticulture, Livestock, 4-H Youth Development, Sustainable Food Systems, Community Gardens, and Water Conservation.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Periodic outdoor fieldwork required, possibly in adverse weather conditions. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Regularly required to drive County vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Periodically required to work other than normal business hours, including nights and weekends.

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Water Conservation Program
Assists the mobile irrigation lab to help county businesses and residents conserve water in their landscape. Coordinates scheduling for irrigation and landscape evaluations. Assists clients with the application process for the outdoor water conservation rebate program. Prepares reports related to the evaluations using ARC GIS and Survey123 software. Prepares evaluation reports for clients after field visits are conducted. Provides educational information and water saving recommendations to clients.

Position requires knowledge of soil, water, conservation, and environmental issues. Experience using Survey123 and ARC GIS desired.

Assists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.

Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Assists with development and preparation of teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.

Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Makes presentations. Distributes educational and promotional materials.

Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. May assist with administration of volunteer programs.

Maintains records and documents regarding assigned program. May compile program reports for management use.

Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.

Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.

Additional Duties
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

High school diploma or equivalent.

2 or more years of work experience related to horticulture, environmental sciences, youth development or similar industry.

Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills
Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions. Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes. Able to resolve routine situations and problems.

General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties. Depending on area of assignment, this may include social media platforms, online meeting platforms, Adobe Acrobat, ARC GIS, and/or QuickBooks.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to communicate routine information.

Capable of working under moderate supervision.