Susquehanna County Conservation District Job Description
Title: Agricultural Conservation Technician
Classification: Full time, Non-Exempt Reviewed: May 2026
PURPOSE:
The Agricultural Conservation Technician will manage programs that provide important technical and financial resources to help protect and improve farmland including the Agricultural Conservation Technical (ACT) Assistance Program and the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). The successful facilitation of these duties requires considerable contact with the general public, farmers, engineers, and contractors, as well as municipal officials and government agency personnel. The job may also include providing program assistance in non-regulatory natural resource management activities related to non-point source pollution, agriculture and other areas as assigned by the District Manager.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Agricultural Conservation Technician
This job involves connecting with farmers and assessing their conservation needs, informing producers about state and federal programs and encouraging their participation, overseeing eligibility, and reviewing applications for programs, maintaining required reporting, and attending governmental and other relevant meetings.
Agricultural Conservation Programs:
· Implement the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and the Susquehanna County Countywide Action Plan (CAP) for implementation and construction of best management practices (BMPs) on eligible farms.
· Coordinate with NRCS to evaluate agricultural operations to identify recommended best management practices (BMPs)
· Oversee outreach and education and assist farmers with understanding program guidelines.
· Review and approve applications along with District and NRCS staff.
· Manage awarded contracts and inspect completed projects in conjunction with NRCS and District Engineer before approving final payments.
· Work with District Manager to review project expenses
· Oversees that farmers are in compliance and address complaints received by the District.
ACT Program:
· Assist farms in understanding their obligations under PA Chapter 102, Manure Management and Nutrient Management laws.
· Advance District partnerships with cooperating agencies and partners.
· Assisting farmers in gathering data to develop resource management plans
o Educating and assisting in the development of a plan
o Reviewing and commenting on adequacy of plan
· Assisting landowners in the implementation of their conservation plans
o Surveying
o Soil sampling
o Manure testing
o Evaluation of practices
· Providing technical assistance to the No-till program, as requested
· Perform education and outreach activities to inform farmers about conservation best management practices and available funding opportunities.
Conducting the Administrative requirements of the Chapter 102 & 105, ACT Program and Agricultural Conservation Programs by:
- Preparing, processing, or completing various forms, reports, logs, checklists, compliance notices, complaint handling forms, plan review forms, inspection reports, program evaluations, performance reviews, or other documents related to the District’s Chapter 102, 105 and ACT programs
- Prepare reports on delegated activities for DEP and attend meetings and trainings relevant to the District’s Chapter 102, 105 and ACT programs
- Prepare quarterly reports for the District’s Chapter 102, 105 and ACT programs
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
· Assist in the promotion of District projects
· Participate in field days, workshops and environmental education programs for contractors, loggers, municipalities, and other civic groups
o Assist a committee in the design of an agenda and planning of other details
o Assist in the compilation and updating of contacts and mailing lists
o Be available as a speaker or moderator
· Assist in the writing of press releases, newsletters and other forms of publication
· Assist landowners/users and planners in obtaining information, including maps and program requirements
· Exchange information between public agencies
- Review and interpret various forms, correspondence, technical plans and reports, technical requests, soil surveys, maps, photographs, laws and regulations, manuals, reference material, and other documents
· Communicate with supervisor, other district staff members, district board members, governmental officials, property owners, developers, complainants, professionals, cooperating agencies, community organizations, the general public, the media, and anyone else as needed to accomplish job duties, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, and give/receive advice or direction
· Maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations; and attend appropriate workshops and training session
· Prepare monthly written reports of activities to the Susquehanna County Conservation District Board of Directors
· Serve on district committees as assigned
· Attend staff and other meetings as requested
· Perform other duties necessary for implementation of District programs as assigned by the District Manager
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
· Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry including the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; to calculate decimals and percentages; to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas and basic geometric principles and calculations.
· Knowledge of the physical sciences and the ability to apply their principles and methods to technical problems
· Skill in numerical and verbal reasoning
· Ability to read and interpret technical literature, engineering plans, narratives, and tables
· Ability to use basic instruments and equipment required to perform technical and field functions
· Ability to perceive mechanical, physical, and spatial relationships
· Ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within a system or organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution. Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives.
· Skill in working with the public. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations. Ability to listen and be objective. Ability to develop and maintain relationships.
- Ability to utilize design data and information such as high-tech manuals, administrative procedures manuals, construction standards and specifications and educational curricula
- Knowledge of computer word processing, database, spreadsheet and desktop publishing software and ability to operate computers
· Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
· Ability to exert moderate physical stress in sedentary to light work, involving climbing and balancing. Ability to lift, carry, push and pull. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Ability to traverse rough and uneven terrain, even it wet and slippery conditions
· Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors, textures, etc. associated with objects, materials and ingredients.
· Ability to work under mildly unsafe and uncomfortable conditions, in regard to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, violence, noise, vibrations, wetness, disease, insects and/or dust.
· Ability to travel overnight and/or multi-day, when necessary to attend functions related to training, conservation, natural resources or environment, or any functions for the greater good of the Conservation District.
- Possession of a valid State driver’s license with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
· An Associate’s Degree or higher in water resources, civil, or any appropriate field of engineering technology
· OR a minimum of three years of experience as a Conservation Specialist
o OR the demonstration of a level of ability and training equivalent to the necessary years of experience.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.
The Susquehanna County Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCCD will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
