Source Water Protection Specialist
: Job Details :

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION SPECIALISTNorth Platte Natural Resources DistrictThe North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD) located in Scottsbluff, through partnership with the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) located in Sidney and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),is accepting applications for a Source Water Protection Specialist. Primary duties include working with producers, agri-business dealers, community leaders, water operators and community residents to provide information, education and technical assistance as it relates to water quantity and quality best management practices, primarily in source water protection areas, developing field inventories, conservation plans and program agreements, and coordinating, presenting or participating in public outreach meetings, events or trainings. Applicant must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and be efficient with Microsoft Office products.A Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science or a Related field is preferred, but a minimum of 5 years' works experience in one or more of these areas is required. Other requirements include a valid Nebraska driver license, the ability to achieve a Natural Resources Ground Water Technician License and Chemigation Applicator License, the ability to lift at least 25 pounds and ability to operate tools, machinery and equipment. This job will require travel between the NPNRD, which covers Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Garden, Banner and part of Sioux County, and the SPNRD, which covers Deuel, Kimball and Cheyenne County. The primary office location for this position will be Bridgeport, Nebraska.Salary will be based on experience. Benefits available include medical, dental and vision insurance for self and dependents, flexible spending accounts, generous retirement contributions, life insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and flexible schedules. Additional details regarding the position can be found at .If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume and references to the North Platte NRD, via mail or hand delivery to 100547 Airport Road, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, via email to dmadden@, or online at /careers. Applications will be accepted through November 22, 2024. EOE.PositionSource Water Protection SpecialistFull-time (40 hours/week)Term of Employment - 3 years (possibility for extension)Salaried - Non-exemptWork Environment Both office and field duties Primary office location will be Bridgeport, NESecondary office locations will be in Scottsbluff, NE and Sidney, NE Some physical demands, including the ability to operate tools, machinery and equipment. Education/Experience Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science or related field is preferred. A minimum of 5 years' work experience in one or more areas is required.Water Well Standards Program Training and Natural Resource Ground Water Tech License (NRD will assist, if needed)Chemigation Applicator Training and License (NRD will assist, if needed)Additional continuing education may be required (NRCS and NRDs will assist, if needed) Duties/Responsibilities Report directly to the General Managers of the NPNRD and SPNRD as it relates to each District.Provide periodic updates and presentations to the Board of Directors of the NPNRD and SPNRD.Develop contacts with landowners and producers to educate and demonstrate groundwater quality and quantity best management practices available in the North Platte and South Platte NRDs. Priority will be given to contacts made within the groundwater protection areas identified in each respective NRD.Develop contacts with agri-business dealers, community leaders, water operators and community residents to educate and demonstrate water quality and quantity best management practices available in all Source Water Protection areas in the NRDs with an emphasis on community public water supplies with nitrate concentrations over 5 mg/l (ppm).Contact producers and agricultural landowners in the source water protection areas in each NRD, to inform them of upcoming workshops and demonstrations, provide technical assistance, and assist with financial program information and applications available utilizing direct mail, email, and/or text messaging.Develop field inventories, conservation plans and program agreements to target implementation of best management practices for groundwater quality and quantity with producers in the NRDs. Complete follow-up discussions with program participants to review practice implementation and complete practice certifications.Coordinate with communications staff from the NRDs and NRCS to develop informational articles and press releases, conduct radio and/or television interviews or Podcasts, and create NRD website and social media content to promote best management practices.Invite conservation champions from within the NRDs to communicate success stories that can be used to recruit other program participants and influence their adoption of best management practices.Organize targeted meetings, workshops, demonstrations, and field days for landowners/producers, agronomists, fertilizer dealers, irrigation sales/service vendors, and/or local officials to promote conservation practices and available programs and resources.Facilitate and coordinate a community-level conservation outreach event and/or participate in garden or farm shows, county fairs, local school, club, or organizational events to educate the general public about nitrate pollution and health risks. Cooperate with UNL Extension, as appropriate, to educate community members on turfgrass and landscape management best management practices.Follow up with producers to ensure implementation noted by a report of success and failures of implementation.Attend training opportunities to become familiar with NRCS and NRD programs and practices so they can be communicated with producers. Target the following conservation practices: 340 (cover crops), 590 (nutrient management), 595 (pest management), and 449 (irrigation water management), utilizing EQIP and CSP and NRD programs.Work toward obtaining Certified Conservation Planner designation (minimum of Level 1, with work towards Level 3) and Job Approval Authority for conservation practices listed above.Attend conferences, trainings, workshops, and meetings to gain job-related knowledge and obtain continuing education credits for certification(s).Assist communities with source water protection grant awareness and opportunities. Skills Communication Skills - Written and OralOrganizational SkillsEfficiency with Microsoft Office productsEthical Conduct Travel Some local and out of town travel, including overnight trips, would be required for attendance at trainings, conferences and meetings.Travel between the NPNRD and SPNRD is required as part of this position. Travel will be dictated by each NRD and NRCS. A vehicle will be provided by Employer. Benefits Offered Competitive SalaryMedical, dental and vision insurance available for employee and dependentsHealth flexible spending account and dependent care flexible spending accountRetirement plan with matchGroup life insurance for employeeDependent life insuranceLong-term disabilityAflac supplemental plans (life insurance, cancer, hospital confinement, STD, dental, vision, critical care, accident)AirMedCare membershipVacation Leave (accrued, no use or lose  , increases with years of service, paid out upon termination/resignation)Sick Leave (accrued, no use or lose  )Other Paid Leave - Severe Weather, Bereavement, Disability, Medical, Jury Duty, Parental, Military11 Paid Holidays annuallyFlexible SchedulesWellness ReimbursementTuition Assistance and ReimbursementProfessional Organization MembershipsYears of Service Recognition and compensation Total Value of Additional Benefits, not including salary, would be approximately $50,000, depending on enrollment in optional benefits.This is a new position that the NRDs would be creating. The requirements listed above are not comprehensive and may be subject to change, may be negotiable, and will continue to develop over time. This position is also a grant funded position, that expires in three years. The position may continue following expiration of the grant.#J-18808-Ljbffr