PARTNER POSTING | Watershed Specialist

The Watershed Specialist position will be a full-time, temporary position involving both office and fieldwork. The primary duty station will be located at the Soil & Water office at 771 E. Main St. Newark, OH 43055 with an additional workstation at Hebron Administrative Building, 934 W Main St, Hebron, OH 43025. This temporary position has funding for two years. It may become a permanent position based on future funding.

Job Announcement information 

The Watershed Specialist will provide technical, informational, and organizational assistance that will improve watershed organization and development for the Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District and the South Licking Watershed Conservancy District.  

Job Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree with 2 years experience in agricultural, engineering, or related natural resource management. Course work in conservation, watershed management, soils,  hydrology, or geology desired. 
• Strong familiarity with watershed issues including, but not limited to agricultural, forestry, and urban BMPs, non-point source elimination, erosion and drainage solutions, wetlands, and soil health initiatives. 
• Excellent writing, presentation, verbal and interpersonal skills. Strong skills in public relations,  organizational development, and team dynamics. Ability to work effectively with the Board of Supervisors,  partnering agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Professional software and GIS and GPS skills are preferred.
• Be able to navigate all types of terrain and can lift and carry loads up to 50 pounds.

Primary Duties 

• Supervise and perform environmental water quality monitoring, developing database, and recruiting volunteer water quality monitoring partners. Develop processes and protocols using the best methodology available. Coordinate training and monitoring of partners’ data. Develop reports for internal and external use.  
• Update the current watershed inventory (livestock, tillage, stream miles, conservation practices, etc.)  and work towards the development of 9-Element Plans in the watershed. 
• Provide leadership in the implementation of conservation practices through collection and analysis of  land use and resource information, identification of stakeholder concerns, establishment of goals and  supporting the locally initiated strategies. 
• Assist with preparing grant and program applications to secure funding for watershed projects,  including project implementation and oversight, record keeping, and reporting.  
• Prepare and submit all necessary grant reports and meet all the other requirements to best ensure continued funding. 
• Serve as a liaison with the board agencies, landowners, stakeholders, and the scientific community. 

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. Full-time benefits include enrollment in the  Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, health insurance plan and paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.  Must provide proof of valid Ohio driver’s license and remain insurable. Must pass a Licking County pre-employment drug screening and background security check.

Application Procedure: Submit cover letter, resume, and three references:  

• Email (preferred) to HiringManager@LickingSWCD.com.
• Name the file with the first initial and last name and Watershed Specialist candidate. 
• Send all documents in one pdf file.  
• Mail to 771 East Main Street, Suite 100, Newark, OH 43055.  

Deadline: Open until filled. 

Soil & Water is an equal opportunity employer.