Double El Conservation District (CD) is accepting applications for the position of District Conservation Technician.

Review of Applications begins on March 12, 2024. Position is open to applications until filled.

General Requirements

• Citizenship: Applicants must be a United States Citizen and be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Operator’s License: Applicant must possess a valid Colorado Operator’s license and have a good driving record.
• Other Requirements: Applicants should be aware of certain regiments, which are inherent with the profession. These may be identified with character traits, which include honesty, maturity, self discipline and initiative.

Qualifications

A. INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Double El Conservation District (CD) office in Simla, Colorado. The employee will serve the Double El CD as a Conservation Technician and will assist Simla Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on Farm Bill Programs. This is a grant project position, ending December 31st, with possible yearly extensions.

B. DUTIES

Maintains records and documents as necessary to carry out all Farm Bill Program documentations and conservation technical assistance. Behaves in a pleasant and professional manner at all times. Learns to answer questions and requests from agricultural producers for information in a pleasant and professional manner.

Demonstrates knowledge and support of and performs duties on computer using USDA software programs necessary to carry out technical assistance documentation. Such as, but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet, and ArcView mapping.

Learns to utilize and assists in the operation of various engineering instruments. Learns purpose of soil survey maps. Learns how to gather various types of information to assist others in their activities. The Conservation Technician performs basic tasks as instructed including simple arithmetic computations. Assembles data and descriptive information covering land units or farms; identifies cropland, hayland, woodland and other land uses to determine field size for mapping. Follow up work with landowner by checking progress of conservation practices under construction.

Learns and utilizes NRCS policies and procedures, employee exercises proper judgment in applying these to specific situations and problems.

Learns, utilizes and performs duties in a manner consistent with Equal Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights policy. Utilizes bias-free oral and written communications. Respects the values and differences of other employees and clients and keeps all information strictly confidential.

Some training is required and will be at locations away from the office.

C. LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY

The employee is expected to work independently and professionally. Assignments are made in terms of objectives and priorities. The employee is to complete work assignments in timely manner. The employee is responsible for correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar and proper placement and arrangement of material.

D. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY POSITION

Basic knowledge of farm and ranch operations sufficient to learn how to assist in the preparation and installation of basic and unrelated soil and water conservation practices where site and layout have been predetermined. Knowledge of simple arithmetic calculations and sufficient to perform basic computations is required. Minimum education requirements are high school diploma.

E. MAJOR DUTIES:

• Provides conservation technical assistance to land users to treat natural resource problems and concerns.
• Performs engineering surveys; with assistance, designs practices; performs construction checks and certifies engineering practices as meeting NRCS standards and specifications.
• Advises on selection of alternative conservation practices; schedules and carries out a follow-up and maintenance program aimed at acceleration application of planned conservation practices.
• Advises and works with land users with the installation and management of engineering management type practices.
• Gather data pertinent to soils, vegetation and engineering for use in developing plans for treating natural resource problems on farms and ranches.
• Gathers planning information about the physical resources necessary for a reliable timely conservation plan. This information is then used by a higher-grade employee in the development of a plan.
• Completes Cultural Resources Inventory
• Assists with plant and weed identifications.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is office and field work. The District Conservation Technician performs assigned work at a desk or table. Some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as work papers, manuals, briefcase, books and survey equipment is necessary. Field visits require opening fences, walking fields and pastures, etc. The Conservation Technician will operate NRCS vehicles to accomplish onsite visits. A valid state driver’s license and a good driving record is required. .

G. SUPERVISION

The employee will work eight-hour days at the rate determined by the Double El Conservation District board per hour. Wages will be paid on the 15th & the last day of the month. Necessary deductions will be made for state and federal income taxes, social security and medicare. Workman’s compensation and unemployment insurance will be paid by the conservation district. 10 paid Holidays; 48 hours Personal Leave will be allowed, no other benefits will be made available to the employee at this time. Substitute/Alternate Position will not have any paid leave allowed.

H. PERFORMANCE REVIEW

A position evaluation will be conducted annually by NRCS staff and District Manager.

I. BACKGROUND CHECK

A background check will be required. All applicant information obtained will be kept strictly confidential.

Application Process

• Submission of Application form and required documents
• Background Investigation – including but not limited to contact with the applicants former employers, associates, neighbors, and other pertinent sources. Applicant’s school records, military history, police records and driving records may be searched, when applying for a position that requires such.
• Oral board interview, with department heads or board members or both.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact District Manager Julie Pfost at (719) 541-2359, ext 180.