Nutrient Management Specialist - Abingdon

Title: Nutrient Management Specialist - Abingdon

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location:Abingdon, VA

Agency Website:http://www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E

Job Duties

THE AGENCY

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about - access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure. We manage 43 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails ... the list goes on. If you're someone who wants to love what you do and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

THE DIVISION

DCR's Soil and Water Conservation staff administers nonpoint source pollution control programs required by state law. They include nutrient management, agricultural best management practices, resource management planning, shoreline erosion advice, and the administrative, technical, and financial support of Virginia's 47 soil and water conservation districts.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Division of Soil and Water Conservation at DCR is looking for a dedicated team member to assist with conserving the resources of the Commonwealth and providing technical assistance to the agricultural community as a Nutrient Management Specialist.

In this position, located in the DCR-Abingdon Regional Office, you will join a dedicated team and be responsible for the following duties:

• Work as an integrated team member in support of DCR's nonpoint source pollution (NPS) reduction efforts.
• Implement Virginia's Nutrient Management Program in assigned service area by preparing Certified Nutrient Management Plans (Assigned territory currently includes the following counties: Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise.
• Conduct surveys to verify the implementation of Nutrient Management Plans.
• Complete nutrient management plan reviews for regulatory & incentive programs related to nutrient management, such as Chesapeake Bay TMDL and the Watershed Implementation Plan.
• Provide or assist with educational programs to targeted groups to reduce levels of nutrients entering ground and surface waters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Training and/or experience in agronomy, crop and soil environmental science, agricultural engineering, dairy science, horticulture, or related areas that provide the needed knowledge and abilities in those fields.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of agricultural production practices, nutrient management, enhanced/precision nutrient management, cover crops, soil health practices, and agricultural land-use issues.
• Experience planning effectively and performing duties with minimal supervision.
• Experience effectively communicating orally and in writing with diverse groups of people from varying economic/educational situations.
• Strong written communication skills with experience reporting data and completing written reports.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in using MS Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases), and other relevant software.

Additional Considerations

• Current Certification as a VA Certified Nutrient Management Planner.
• Experience working with the agricultural community, specifically Virginia farmers.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

This is a quasi-full-time status ("Q-Status") position, limited to 30 - 39.9 hours per week for 12 months per year. Q-status classified employees generally work a reduced schedule of at least 32 hours, but less than 40 hours per week while maintaining key employee benefits. This position will work 30 hours per week. Health benefits for Q-Status employees (and employee contributions for health benefits) are the same as those of full-time employees. Q-Status employees accrue annual leave at a rate in direct proportion to the number of hours worked. Retirement contributions remain at the same level as those of full-time employees and service is credited at the same rate as is credited for full-time employees.

Possess Nutrient Management Planner Certification or must be qualified to obtain certification within 12 months of employment.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran's status.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Contact Information

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Phone: N/A

Email: N/A

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.