Soil & Water Conservation Technician

Guilford County, NC is hiring a Soil & Water Conservation Technician to implement the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program and the Community Conservation Assistance Program. The role involves technical field and office work, providing public information, reviewing applications, and overseeing the installation of Best Management Practices. The position is full-time, located in Greensboro, NC, with a salary range of $52,735.07 - $61,963.20 annually.
Salary : $52,735.07 - $61,963.20 Annually
Location : 400 W. Market Street Greensboro, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04021
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 03/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This position performs technical field and office work necessary to implement the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program (NC-ACSP) on farmland in Guilford County and the same for the NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP), carried out on non-agricultural lands. Reports to the Soil and Water Conservationist.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class provides technical information to the public related to the administration of soil and water programs mainly on agricultural lands. Programs are designed to protect the environment and enhance the public health and safety of the citizens of Guilford County. Examples of work include providing public information to citizens, reviewing applications for NC-ACSP and CCAP funds, determining eligibility of applicants, designing, planning, laying out, checking, measuring and certifying installed practices. Work is supervised by an administrative/ and or technical superior (higher job approval authority) and is evaluated by direct observations, personal conferences, citizen feedback and inspection of completed work.

Examples of Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks
• Receives applications, rank and develop contracts for NC-ACS Programs, including special allocations such as Drought, Impaired Impacted, EEP and Jordan Lake, as needed.
• Receives applications, rank and develop contracts for CCAP.
• Estimate costs, design and layout of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Develops plan and soils maps for contract.
• Presents all to Soil & Water Board for approval as required.
• Oversees installation of BMPs in programs, including check out of completed BMP and submits Requests for Payment.
• Completes annual 5% spot checks of NC-ACSP contracts, 25% of CCAP contracts.
• Assists NRCS District Conservationist with Federal Programs as requested.
• Provides technical advice to the agricultural community and the public as it relates to soil erosion control, conservation practice installation, storm water drainage and flooding problems.
• Serves as Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) Board liaison on behalf of the Planning and Development Department. Reviews VAD/Enhanced VAD applications and performs farm visits to ensure compliance with Program requirements. Provides annual report to NC Dept. of Agriculture.
• Manages No-till Drill program and equipment rental program (e.g., manages equipment rental, contract signing, maintenance, scheduling, calibration, and public education related to equipment use/operation). Prepares semi-annual program reports to NC Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation.
• Advises the general public on current laws, standards and ordinances (e.g., Jordan Lake Rules).
• Assists NRCS, NC Div. Forest Resources, Cooperative Extension, Guilford County, City of Greensboro and Piedmont Triad Water Quality Partnership and other agencies as requested.
• Assists with educational programs and events as needed.
• Assists with general erosion control and drainage problems for individual property owners as requested.
• Maintains historical aerial photographs and assists engineering consultants with viewing.
• Assists the District Board with outreach efforts, such as newsletter articles, tree sale and bird nesting box program.
• Coordinates vehicle maintenance, reports and gas receipts with Planning & Development Department Director.
• Performs other related work as needed.

RECURUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Considerable knowledge of standard practices, techniques, materials and equipment used in drafting.
• Considerable knowledge of land and engineering survey systems, methods and techniques.
• General knowledge of the county's zoning, subdivision, erosion control and health department regulations.
• Understand agricultural methods, practices and culture.
• Ability to apply knowledge of Conservation Planning and use Best Management Practices for individual farms and fields.
• Working knowledge of land surveying including use of related instruments and computers.
• Ability to use hand level, and laser level for survey work and to carry and use a surveying rod and or receiver; record and document readings.
• Ability to make accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to transfer rough sketched and notes into finished land maps.
• Ability to work with other technical design personnel and convey ideas effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various individuals and groups in the course of work.

Typical Qualifications

Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in civil or biological engineering or an environmental curriculum;

OR

graduation from a two-year college or university with and Associates Degree (2years) in Civil Engineering, Soil Conservation, Forestry or other field of study related to the nature of the work performed; And, two years field experience in soil erosion inspections control, watershed compliance, agricultural/farming practices, or closely related experience.
Supplemental Information

Physical Demands
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Work also requires the ability to move about over uneven terrain, possibly climb fences, cross streams and ditches such as that in construction hard hat areas and on farmland; often while carrying survey equipment and/or file folders.

Must have visual acuity to perform tasks requiring color, depth perception and field of vision sufficient to perform tasks associated with the preparation and analysis of figures and data, operations of a computer, using surveying equipment, operation of a motor vehicle and inspection of soil erosion and watershed control devices.

Must be able to perform a small amount of sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Environmental Conditions
Work is performed both inside and outside environmental conditions. The employee may be exposed to temperatures lower than 32 degrees and/or higher than 100 degrees. Routine safety precautions are provided such as hard hats, ear plugs and shelter from inclement weather.

Driving is Essential
Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
Special Note:
This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detail information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.
Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.
We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee!

You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work?

Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County.

We offer Health Insurance (UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. That's less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; that's unheard of.

Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense.

We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist!

Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues.

13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. That's 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off.

Employer contributes 5% into your 401(k) - no match required.

Enrollment in the State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%.

Longevity pay beginning at five years of service.

We provide a $10,000 Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care.

Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
01

Please select the highest level of education you have achieved:
• High school or GED
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02

How many years of field experience in soil erosion inspections control, watershed compliance, agricultural/farming practices, or closely related experience do you have.
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years less than 3
• 3 years less than 4
• 4 or more

03

Is your degree in Civil Engineering, Soil Conservation, Forestry or other field of study related to the nature of the work performed?
• Yes
• No

04

I understand that an official copy of my college transcript will be required upon conditional offer of employment.
• Yes
• No
• No degree

Required Question