Job Description
The Hill Country Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) administers a grant from the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) through the Environmental Protection Agency to employ a Technician to work in the Lampasas River Watershed to implement project tasks and goals. The project currently is a three-year grant, expected to expire September 30, 2027, but has the strong potential to be extended beyond the current project period.
Goals of the project include:
1. Fostering coordinated technical assistance activities between the TSSWCB, local SWCDs and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
2. Providing technical assistance to livestock producers for the development of Water Quality Management Plans (WQMPs) and implementation of Best Management Practices.
3. Assisting livestock producers in utilizing cost-share funds obtained through section 319 of the Clean Water Act
4. Enable stakeholders and the public to participate in decision-making and provide a more complete understanding of water quality issues and how they relate to each citizen.
Position Duties Include:
1. Provide needed technical assistance to livestock producers in the designated watershed
2. Plan, develop, and assist producers in the implementation of WQMPs
- This involves development of conservation plan maps showing boundaries, fields, land use, acres, and facilities.
- Acquisition of soil maps with appropriate interpretations.
- Development of an implementation schedule.
- Completion of appropriate worksheets used during the planning phases (forage inventories, grazing plans, erosion worksheets, and field notes).
3. Increase awareness of available CWA 319 and EQIP cost-share funds and program participation through press releases, public meetings, coordination with producer organizations at local events, etc.
4. Assist in the acquisition of CWA 319 & EQIP funding for BMP implementation.
5. Promote the TSSWCB WQMP Program and NRCS EQIP funding
6. Track utilization of obligated cost-share funds from the CWA 319 & EQIP.
7. Coordinate with landowners in the watershed and all local, state, and federal agencies involved in the grant.
8. Track WQMP and BMP implementation success through status reviews of existing plans.
9. Create a map showing the location of all WQMPs developed and BMPs implemented throughout the project. This map will not reveal the identity or exact location of any producer.
10. Assist in administering programs to educate citizens about water quality and their potential role in causing NPS pollution.
11. Assist in conducting outreach to facilitate broader participation and partnerships with landowners, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.
12. Maintain records of participants in the program and completion of WQMP and BMP implementation progress.
13. Meet with employing SWCD monthly and other SWCDs as needed that may fall within the watershed.
14. Maintain communication with other Texas A&M AgriLife Extension employees, NRCS employees, and TSSWCB Project Manager, Regional Office Staff, and Field Representative.
15. Submit quarterly reports on progress of the grant in a timely manner to TSSWCB.
16. Participate in the stakeholder process for WPP development and implementation, facilitated by the TSSWCB.
17. Travel is required.
Job Qualifications:
- Degree in natural resources management, agriculture, or related field from an accredited college or university.
- Knowledge of computers and computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, mapping, and internet activities.
- Knowledge of planning and implementing planned conservation Best Management Practices.
- Experience in working with agricultural landowners.
- Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Other Information:
This position is in Lampasas, but travel and coordination will be required into other surrounding counties and SWCDs as needed to implement the project.
Application Instructions:
An application AND resume must be submitted for consideration. Applications are available at the Lampasas NRCS Service Center, located at 502 S Key, Ste E, Lampasas, or at the Burnet NRCS Field Office, located at 101 N Pierce St, Burnet, or downloaded at www.lampasasriver.org. To request an application by mail or for other questions, please contact Diane at (512) 756-4651. Qualified individuals may return completed applications, along with a resume, if desired, to either locations above or by email to Diane with Conservation Technician Application in the subject line.
This position will remain open until filled. Hill Country SWCD #534 is an equal opportunity employer.
Funding provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
