Program Support Specialist
LORD FAIRFAX SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST
SALARY
Salary will be determined by the District Board upon recommendation of Personnel Committee after review with Chair of the Conservation Technical Committee. Performance in meeting job requirements, education, and length of employment will be given consideration.
POSITION IN ORGANIZATION
The Program Support Specialist is an employee of the Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District and is responsible for carrying out the directives of the Board of Directors and the Conservation Technical Committee under the direction of the Supervisory Conservation Specialist. The District is responsible for employment, separation, fixing range of duties and hours of work, rate of pay and allowances, paying employees and establishing any other requirements associated with an employer-employee relationship.
In working for the District, the Program Support Specialist shall, within the range of duties and hours of work fixed by the District, work with partner agencies on joint projects and other assistance as available.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Support Specialist under the direction of the Supervisory Conservation Specialist and Conservation Specialists will:
- Assist Conservation Specialists with mapping projects, submitting resources reviews, and creating Conservation Plans within DCR Conservation Planning Module.
- Assist with creating cost estimates, engineering, and program documentation.
- Complete data entry for Agricultural programs in the DCR Conservation Application Suite (CAS).
- Assist Conservation Specialists with organization of cost-share contract folders.
- Generate letters to participants, to include approval, carryover, and cancelation letters.
- Provide support for District outreach efforts through mailings, phone calls, social media, other media correspondence and in-person events.
- Assist with reporting and spot checking for program activity.
- Provide program applications to interested landowners via mail and e-mail.
- Attend trainings to pursue program operation efficiency and increase skill capacity.
- Assist with other administrative projects as needed such as filing, record retention, meeting arrangements, and other assigned tasks.
- Assist with field work as needed, such as surveys and as-built inspections.
- Assist with educational efforts as knowledge and time allows, including the development of tours, demonstrations and other presentations.
- Participate in all training programs organized for the purpose of providing the knowledge and skills to allow the Program Support Specialist to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
- Assist with the development of the Annual Plan of Work, the Annual Report, the Strategic Plan, award program nominations and other District related reports; assist in the annual Envirothon, school environmental days, and other school-related events as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
This position requires that the employee have strong organizational skills and attention to detail, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and through written communication, the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures, the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others (be a team player), the ability to work independently, the ability to perform computer tasks through the Microsoft Application Suite, the ability to schedule in an efficient manner, have good map reading skills, and the ability to interpret technical standards. This employee must also have the ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems and various other computer programs used for planning and carrying out agricultural BMPs and other duties. A valid Virginia Driver’s License is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Employee must be at least 18 years of age at time of employment.
This is work requiring the exertion of up to and exceeding 30 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Regular required tasks include sitting; talking or hearing, in person and by telephone; using hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate standard office and maintenance/field equipment; and reaching with the hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sometimes stand on uneven surfaces; the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. In addition, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; and learn and apply new information or skills. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Tasks require alertness to avoid potential hazardous conditions/situations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The Program Support Specialist should have at a minimum a High School Diploma or equivalent, and agriculture or natural resources related experience. NRCS and DCR specialized training and continuing education is encouraged as scheduling allows, to help the incumbent expand their knowledge of conservation and SWCD programs.