Soil Conservationists

Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

Job Task

• Advise land users such as farmers and ranchers on conservation plans, problems and alternative solutions, and provide technical and planning assistance.
• Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
• Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey and field information technical guides, engineering manuals, and calculator.
• Develop, conduct and/or participate in surveys, studies and investigations of various land uses, gathering information for use in developing corrective action plans.
• Monitor projects during and after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
• Plan soil management and conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil and conserve water.
• Provide information, knowledge, expertise, and training to government agencies at all levels to solve water and soil management problems and to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
• Compile and interpret wetland biodata to determine extent and type of wetland and to aid in program formulation.
• Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements and life expectancy of practices.
• Conduct fact-finding and mediation sessions among government units, landowners, and other agencies in order to resolve disputes.
• Coordinate and implement technical, financial, and administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation and timely responses to requests for assistance.
• Initiate, schedule and conduct annual audits and compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
• Manage field offices and involve staff in cooperative ventures.
• Participate on work teams to plan, develop, and implement water and land management programs and policies.
• Provide access to programs and training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.
• Respond to complaints and questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information and clarification.
• Review and approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans and conservation district plans.
• Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, and watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Review grant applications and make funding recommendations.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements and provide technical recommendations.
• Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices and plans.
• Survey property to mark locations and measurements, using surveying instruments.
• Visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions.
• Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local government staff and board members.

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