DSWC Area 4 Program Specialist

What You'll Do:

No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

This position is responsible for:

• For the Ohio Department of Agriculture's (ODA) Division of Soil & Water Conversation (DSWC), directs and coordinates activities related to the soil and water conservation district (SWCD) program for assigned area
• Serves as regional specialist for the soil and water conservation district (SWCD) program by formulating and implementing policies and procedures
• Oversees development and implementation of SWCD programs in a subset of multiple Ohio counties including Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Preble and Warren; analyzes planning and administration of natural resources programs
• Analyzes procedures, systems used, personnel, maintenance needs and operational efficiency required to administer programs
• Prepares detailed reports of procedures and proposals and recommends same to administrative superior
• Directs and coordinates various nonpoint source pollution abatement activities and development of technical reports associated with design and construction of same
• Provides general guidance and direct supervision of programs when required through SWCDs & serves as the primary contact for SWCDs in handling pollution complaints
• Provides training and oversight in both technical and administrative responsibilities
• Assists board members and employees in gathering information concerning conservation needs
• Oversees procedural guides in implementing and monitoring district works of improvements, cost share programs, and watershed programs in compliance with legislative laws
• Provides local SWCD guidance in implementing rules and regulations associated with technical and administrative responsibilities set forth by law and assists in formulating agreements between local SWCDs and other entities such as municipalities, townships, watershed groups and public/private enterprises
• Develops and maintains a working relationship with all SWCD board members and their staff in assigned counties
• Assists with developing long and short-range work plans, job descriptions, standards of performance, training outlines and evaluations
• Annually, conducts fiduciary responsibility reviews & provides improvement recommendations to the local SWCD
• Develops and delivers training programs and educational information for local, regional and statewide audiences
• Evaluates local SWCD needs relating to finance, personnel, and program development & assists SWCDs with tracking and reporting activities and accomplishments through the SWCD Reporting System
• Represents the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission (OSWCC) in conducting SWCD elections and provides guidance and checks compliance of OSWCC rules and policies

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What's in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are available the following month after your hire date.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• 12 weeks paid childbirth leave at 70% with option to supplement to 100%

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.

• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.

• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

Qualifications

48 months training or 48 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description

AND

Valid driver's license

OR

Undergraduate major core program & 24 months training or 24 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position

AND

Valid driver's license

OR

Completion of graduate major core program & 12 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description

AND

Valid driver's license

OR

Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above