POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: October 11, 2019 PAY: $16.00/hour
Closing Date: November 15, 2019 Contact: Audrey Kuipers- 863.623.3237
TITLE: Conservation Technician
DEPARTMENT: Soil and Water Conservation District
REPORTS TO: District Program Manager
Locations: Okeechobee and Osceola County
******************************************************************
POSITION PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES:
This is a technically oriented position which will operate in a team environment with personnel
from the Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District, Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well
as other agencies. This is a multi-county position covering the Northern Everglades and Estuaries
Protection Plan area that promotes enrollment and participation in Best Management Practice
programs to agricultural producers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possess Bachelor of Science degree or actively working towards higher education in agriculture,
natural resources, natural or environmental science.
Two (2) years equivalent work experience in farming, nursery, livestock operation may be
substituted.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Promoting enrollment in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of
Agricultural Water Policy Best Management Practice (BMP) Notice of Intent program.
Conducting BMP implementation verifications with agricultural producers.
Assisting agricultural producers with completing Common Practice Status Reports.
Submitting timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
Assisting other Soil and Water Conservation District personnel with assigned related duties.
Public Relations: The incumbent is responsible for courteous and professional communication
with the public at all times.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
•Knowledge of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural
Water Policy programs and functions.
•Knowledge of Soil and Water Conservation District and USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service programs and functions.
•Knowledge of agricultural operations and water use.
•Skilled in completing and maintaining accurate records.
•Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, wet environments.
•Ability to work indoors in an office environment.
•Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
•Ability to deal with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.
•Ability to read and draw basic maps using computer software, and to locate properties using
street and geographic maps.
•Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
•Ability to lift 20lbs.
•Ability to operate a motor vehicle for up to four hours continuously.
•Ability to make decisions in accordance with departmental rules, regulations and policy.
Okeechobee SWCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does
not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities
Act, must notify the agency hiring authority. Notification to the hiring authority must be made in
advance to allow enough time to provide the accommodation.
Okeechobee SWCD supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable
suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Candidate must: Provide a Department of Motor Vehicle Report record and a copy of training or
college transcripts with application. Pass a State and Federal background check before hired.
SUCCESS FACTORS: The individual filling this position should be detail-oriented, assertive
and self-directed. This person should also enjoy interaction with the general public and have a
sincere interest for agriculture and natural resources.
******************************************************************************
Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser for the application.
https://forms.gle/pxdQGJpiwd2RHZ9GA