Soil and Water Technician

Job Overview 

Performs technical work in the coordination of Soil and Water Conservation Programs for the County.

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​Duties & Responsibilities

​An employee in this class serves as the representative of the Soil and Water Conservation District and
provides consultative and technical assistance to farmers and landowners regarding a wide variety of soil
and water conservation practices. Work includes making field visits, studying conservation plans,
gathering data on existing land and water conditions, analyzing conservation problems, and developing
recommended solutions. Work also includes conservation program coordination, promotion, enrollment,
administrative record and thorough tracking of contracts. Independent professional judgment and
initiative are exercised in on-the-spot consultations as well as after more detailed analysis and evaluation.
Work requires the employee to work in inside and outside environments, in extreme temperatures, and
exposes the worker to dust, fumes, odors, and mist. Work involves extensive public contact that requires
tact and courtesy. Work is performed under the technical and administrative supervision of the Soil and
Water Conservation Director. Employees must present performance updates to the McDowell County Soil
and Water Board of Directors monthly. Work is reviewed by observation, discussion, spot checks at critical
stages of projects, and feedback from the public. The technician will assist with the StRAP (Streamflow
Rehabilitation Assistance Program) Program, a grant project through the NC Division of Soil and Water
Conservation. The technician will assist in the maintenance of the watershed lakes within the County.

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Qualifications 

​● Considerable knowledge of agronomy, soil characteristics, engineering practices, drafting and
surveying.
● Develop conservation plans involving a variety of soil patterns, and conservation practices such as
contour, terraces, tilling, open ditch drainage, farm ponds, diversions, strip tillage, crop rotation, tree
planting and waterways.
● Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of agriculture and
forestry operations, planning and applying soil, water and related conservation and
development.
● Considerable knowledge of and skill in effectively using popular computer word processing, spreadsheet
and file maintenance programs.
● Considerable knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding soil and water
conservation management
● Ability to analyze and evaluate conservation practices and to make recommendations for
corrective actions or improvements.

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landowners / tenants,
peers, supervisors, employees, state agencies, other departments, and the public. Ability to deal tactfully
and courteously with landowners and the public, especially in sensitive situations and make sound
professional judgments in all aspects of the work.
● Develop and present educational programs suitable to audiences of various ages.
● Ability to perform physical labor as necessitated by work assignments.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to physically perform the basic life support functions of kneeling, reaching, standing, walking,
lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform work exerting up to 75 pounds of force, and/or up to 40 pounds of force
frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

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Education & Experience ​

​Graduation from high school, supplemented by special courses in agriculture, agronomy, or related fields
and considerable experience in agricultural conservation practices, or an equivalent combination of
education and experience. Graduation from a two-year college with focus in biology preferred. Possession
of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required. New employees must attend new employee training
offered through the Division of Soil and Water, and yearly conservation education training conference
attendance among other training courses are required. Must possess the ability to operate a computer or
similar technology, to use measuring devices, to work with figures, to determine neatness, accuracy and
thoroughness of completed work and to operate trucks and other equipment.​

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Benefits 

• Benefited after 30 days

• Medical, dental, and life insurance

• Sick, vacation, and holiday pay

• Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

• Supplemental retirement 401k/457