Soil Scientist jobs in Lorain, OH

The Storm Water Technician / Wildlife Specialist (Technician) position of the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is authorized by Section 940.08 of the Ohio Revised Code and shall be subject to the direction of the Erie SWCD Board of Supervisors and to the District Director.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Technician are multidisciplinary in nature. These include, but are not limited to: assisting with the implementation of the Erie County MS4 Program, technical assistance for wildlife related inquiries, programs, and projects, survey, design, and implementation of conservation practices, special restoration projects, and technical assistance to county landowners.

Supervision

• Technician serves under the guidance and direction of the District Director and Board of Supervisors

Essential Functions

General Knowledge:

• Understand topography, soil types, aerial photography, and geographic features in order to complete conservation practices and plans
• Ability to utilize survey data to design soil and water conservation engineering plans and specifications
• Ability to use engineering and surveying instruments, as part of a field team to survey land areas for proposed conservation practices and plans
• Experience or ability/willingness to build skills in geographic information system (GIS) and computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software

· Use Beehive reporting software to track and report work related time

• Have a working knowledge of District philosophy, programs, responsibilities and authorities
• Understand the responsibilities and authorities of the Erie SWCD Board of Supervisors and employees
• Must be willing to attend night meetings and overnight travel for training on occasion
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions with regard to field days, workshops, Envirothon, or other District education and conservation awareness programs
• Must follow the District employment policies, and all local, state, and federal regulations
• Provide assistance to the public in a non-discriminatory manner
• Must be self-motivated and possess organizational skills, a team player, possess a positive attitude, as well as a desire to build and sustain effective partnerships with likeminded agencies, organizations, or citizens groups.

Urban - Stormwater: (1560 hours per year maximum, 75% of full-time employment)

Assist with the implementation of the Erie County Stormwater Program by meeting or exceeding the requirements set forth in the Ohio EPA Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit including, but not limited to:

1. Assist with review, comment and approval of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, and operation and maintenance documents per the OEPA Construction General Permit and Erie County Stormwater Rules, Regulations and Erosion Control guidelines

2. Perform field inspections to determine compliance with approved plans. Produce
inspection reports of all findings. Schedule, and perform follow up inspections and
communication until compliance is obtained.

3. Assist with the post-construction BMP inspection program. Perform field inspections, looking at BMP construction and maintenance issues, provide inspection reports, and work with responsible parties to achieve proper long-term function.

4. Assist with the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program. Perform field
inspections looking for dry weather flows and potential pollution sources exiting through
storm sewer system. Investigate and follow-up with any complaints of illicit discharge or illegal dumping.

5. Assist with records retention, content development, and training for MS4 staff on GIS applications: comprehensive storm sewer maps, quarterly facility inspections, post-construction BMP map, etc.

6. Work with other District staff to provide stormwater education, outreach and technical
assistance to our partners and their constituents.

7. Work with other District staff and professionals in surrounding jurisdictions to develop
conservation projects and grants to improve the water quality and soil health in Erie
County.

Wildlife: (Grant funded, 560 hours per year minimum, 25% of full-time employment)

1. Develop and implement an Annual Plan of Work for the wildlife specialist program in coordination with the Private Lands Program Administrator and DOW District 2 Wildlife Management Supervisor.

2. Coordinate work with ODNR-DOW Wildlife Officer, Wildlife Management Consultant, Wildlife Management Supervisor, and Private Lands Program Administrator

3. Provide technical assistance and education to individual landowners:

a. Human/wildlife conflicts resolution assistance

b. Wildlife habitat implementation, enhancement, and management.

4. Promote and assist with the annual Erie-Ottawa-Sandusky PF Chapter, Wildlife Food Plot Seed Program.

5. Provide or assist with Investigation/Evaluation of animal damage complaints and wildlife nuisance issues. Issue Deer Damage Control Permits, as warranted. Work directly with the county Wildlife Officer as directed or warranted.

6. Occasionally attend meetings of local conservation organizations and promote partnership opportunities.

7. Assist with DOW wildlife surveys and data collection.

8. Promote and assist with the participation in the Ohio Landowner and Hunter Access Program (OLHAP).

9. Develop website and social media content for outreach, education and public awareness of wildlife conservation matters for the general public.

10. Assist/coordinate events that pertain to wildlife and conservation.

11. Assist landowners with implementation of conservation plans for habitat programs on private lands, often associated with Federal Farm Bill Programs.

12. Promote/assist with the implementation of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), particularly with regard to wildlife habitat establishment and enhancement.

13. Assist NRCS staff with Mid-term Contract Management (MCM) reviews of CREP / CRP conservation plan contracts.

Other duties and responsibilities not mentioned will evolve. The Board of Supervisors does not hold this job description to be “all encompassing” and maintains the right to develop other areas of responsibility as deemed necessary. This position is offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements

Education

• A minimum of an Associate’s Degree from an accredited university in natural resources, engineering, environmental science, biology, agriculture, or a closely related field
• Or, have demonstrated the equivalent in experience and knowledge

General

• Adhere to District employment policies and all state, local and federal regulations
• Must maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license, insurance, good driving record and be able to operate motor vehicles during daylight and evening hours, on both public and private roads
• Must communicate effectively in English using both written and oral forms
• Must maintain a clean and neat appearance consistent with the public contact aspect of the position
• Basic computer competency with knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office, e-mail and internet/web-based applications
• Must possess personal qualities to be able to work effectively with the general public

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person