Resource Conservation Technician

Job type: Full-time

Shift and schedule: Monday to Friday, weekends as needed, evenings as needed

The Position

Are you passionate about protecting the environment? Do you like being outside? As a Resource Conservation Technician, you’ll be conducting inspections outside for construction sites as well as construction near streams and in wetlands. Other core duties include technical review of construction-related plans and permit applications for a variety of projects and programs and technical assistance to landowners to help protect Pike County’s natural resources.

Description of Work

• Performs technical reviews of Erosion and Sediment (E&S) Control Plans and administrative and technical E&S Plan reviews of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, Erosion and Sediment Control Permits (ESCP) and Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESCGP); coordinates permit management with the District Engineer; reviews design specifications for practices to be implemented using survey and field information, maps, technical guides and engineering manuals; monitors projects through on-site inspections during and after construction to ensure practices are properly installed and maintained; schedules and conducts meetings with permit applicants and/ or permittees as needed and takes meeting minutes for documentation purposes.
• Manages projects as assigned, including documentation and communication, from administrative and technical review through to on-site inspections, compliance, enforcement (if necessary), and project completion.
• Processes required documentation, maintains current files including plan review database on earth disturbance and permit projects (Note: This is a critical element of project management as some projects may need to be submitted for compliance and/or enforcement actions).
• Works with landowners, consultants, engineers, developers, and earthmoving contractors to facilitate the implementation of conservation practices on projects.
• Monitors projects through on-site inspections during and after construction to ensure practices are properly installed and maintained.
• Communicates with municipal officials and other government agencies as needed for project management.
• Receives and investigates complaints related to erosion and sedimentation, analyzing conservation problems and discussing alternative solutions with land users; advises land users in developing E&S Control Plans, utilizing best management practices, and meeting permit requirements for commercial development, residential subdivisions, timber harvest operations and other earthmoving activities.
• Provides information to the general public and industry on permit and other requirements of the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act and associated regulations, the performance of on-site investigation of complaints regarding wetlands and waterways, processes PADEP General Permits.
• Generates monthly reports for the District Board and quarterly reports for state delegated programs and grants.
• Provides natural resource management assistance; advises the general public of assistance available from local, state and federal agencies; provides information regarding soils, wetlands, forest management, stormwater management, water quality, mining and other natural resource-related issues. Works with other natural resource agency staff to coordinate local activities and assistance.
• Conducts educational and informational programs for the general public, local governments and professional groups; completes articles for the District newsletter, website and local newspapers.
• Attends training programs as needed.
• Completes mapping through Google Earth or geographic information services (GIS) for resource management activities.
• Performs computer database searches for threatened and endangered species.
• Provides Head Resource Conservationist with regular updates on sites in violation of environmental codes and regulations.
• Assists Head Resource Conservationist with development of materials needed for compliance and enforcement meetings and conferences.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include paid days off, life insurance, health insurance, retirement plan, and optional dental plan.
• New employees will receive health insurance coverage after a waiting period of 90 days.
• Paid days off include County-designated holidays.
• The normal work schedule for full-time employees is eight (8) hours Monday through Friday from 8-4:30 with ½ hour unpaid lunch. Based on programming, night and weekend work hours may be required as part of the position.
• Occasional out-of-town overnight travel (expenses paid) can be expected for training, workshops, etc.
• After 90 days of continuous, regular employment with a satisfactory performance record, employees may request a telecommuting (for one day per week) or compressed schedule arrangement in accordance with the PCCD Telecommuting Policy and Procedure. Please note, District operational needs, employee performance, and individual job responsibilities will continue to be considered before approval of, or continuation of flexible scheduling.

Required Experience, Training, & Eligibility

• Knowledge of soil and water conservation issues, land use practices, innovative planning techniques, best management practices (BMPs) and applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and the physical sciences
• Skill in numerical and verbal reasoning
• Ability to apply the principles and methods of the physical sciences to technical problems
• Ability to read and interpret administrative procedures manuals, technical literature, engineering manuals and plans, construction standards and specifications
• Ability to use basic scientific instruments and equipment required to perform technical and field functions.
• Good interpersonal skills, pleasant disposition, and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database and the ability to operate computers. ArcGIS knowledge a plus.
• Ability to work in the field independently sometimes in remote areas or in adverse weather conditions.
• Physical stamina needed for lifting heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Agility to traverse difficult outside terrain such as steep slopes and uneven possibly slippery land surfaces.
• Ability to organize and manage critical data both in the field and in digital form.
• Must possess a valid/current driver’s license.
• Some irregular work hours involving evening and weekend work may be required.

How to Apply:

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to PCCD:

Please apply by e-mail with a subject heading indicating the position the applicant is interested in - “Resource Conservation Technician” to: pikecd@pikepa.org by 4:00 p.m. EST on November 26, 2024.

Our Mission

Pike County Conservation District (PCCD) is committed to the long-term protection and sustainable use of Pike County's natural resources. We accomplish this through partnership, education, technical assistance, planning, enforcement, and leadership.

History

PCCD was created by the Pike County Commissioners in 1956 and is a legal subdivision of state government. The District is governed by a Board of Directors who meet monthly to help plan programs, guide staff, and coordinate efforts which provide conservation assistance and education in Pike County. District staff provide technical assistance for residents on natural resource and watershed conservation, groundwater protection, grant writing, and program administration.