12/01/1974 55060

CONSERVATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST 1

DEFINITION: This is professional conservation work associated with the planning and development of specialized conservation activities within the conservation program.

Employees in this class coordinate the state participation in technical conservation activities such as watershed development, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, or environmental advisory councils with other cooperating agencies. Work involves investigating the feasibility of proposed projects, the preparation of technical recommendations on varied and complex conservation activities and representing the State Conservation Commission during the execution phase of specialized projects in cooperation with related local, state and Federal agencies. Work may include supervision over subordinate professional or technical field personnel when assigned to specialized projects. General assignments are received from an administrative superior and employees exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in detailing each assignment. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports and evaluation of program achievements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: Plans, develops and coordinates the State Conservation Commission's participation in specialized conservation activities such as watershed development, flood prevention or erosion and sediment control projects.

Conducts preliminary investigations of proposed specialized conservation projects and prepares technical recommendations consolidating the view of the State Conservation Commission.

Attends conservation district meetings integrating specialized conservation activities with local projects.

Assists local organizations in the performance of their obligations incurred as a participant in specialized conservation activities such as watershed development, flood prevention or soil survey projects.

Supervises the distribution of state aide to local districts for specialized conservation activities.

Prepares reports on specialized projects, writes articles for publication and lectures to interested groups on the benefits of specialized conservation practices.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of land capabilities and the conservation methods and techniques required to keep the land permanently and profitably productive.

Considerable knowledge of the basic disciplines relating to conservation including agronomy, geology and forestry with particular emphasis on their relationships to specialized conservation activities such as watershed development, flood prevention or soil surveys.

Knowledge of the objectives and specialized programs of conservation organizations and related participating agencies interested in providing technical conservation services.

Ability to plan and coordinate a specialized conservation activity among several levels of government.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, state and Federal officials and other interested groups.

Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to speak effectively in public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years experience as a Conservation District Field Representative 2.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.