"Alerted.org

Farmland Preservation Resource Specialist

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northamptoncounty/jobs/newprint/4997609)

Apply



Farmland Preservation Resource Specialist

Salary

$61,864.00 Annually

Location

Easton, PA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

2025-00273E

Department

Administration

Division

Farmland Preservation

Opening Date

07/09/2025

Closing Date

7/22/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration.The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected.Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at [email protected] 610-829-6382.

Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Farmland Preservation Resource Specialist position provides comprehensive support to the Farmland Preservation Program Administrator and the owners and operators of preserved farms. The employee in this role performs a variety of accounting, personnel, processing, and procedural tasks while providing direct technical assistance to the owners and operators of preserved farms.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Farmland Preservation Program Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises all or some of the supervisory authority of the Farmland Preservation Program Administrator in their absence or when directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

Develops and creates required conservation plans on new farm applicants. Prepares and updates Resources Management System (RMS) level conservation plans for preserved farms, as required by Chapter 138e issued under the Agricultural Area Security Law (3 P.S. §§ 901-905).

Maintains records of conservation plans for preserved farms, as required. Enforces required conservation plans on preserved farms to ensure compliance. Updates all conservation plans due to change in ownership or farming practices.

Works directly in the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) data system to assist with conservation planning, ranking, and practice certifications for different financial assistance programs such as Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), etc.

Writes grants for financial assistance for farmers to adopt and implement conservation practices.

Provides technical and administrative assistance in the operation of the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).

Provides educational and innovative conservation opportunities.

Coordinates with the United States Department of Agriculture, NRCS, Northampton County Conservation District, and other cooperating agencies as needed to ensure Chapter 102 compliance on preserved farms, through the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) as needed.

Provides technical information to the USDA and NRCS to prepare conservation plans for preserved farms.

Attends Board meetings. Assists with preparation of meeting notices, agenda, and corresponding documents. Records and distributes meeting minutes.

Attends training sessions as needed.

Answers telephone calls and inquiries. Answers questions about services or refers for further assistance.

Responsible for the planning and logistics of public hearings, meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Prepares newsletter articles and media articles relative to the Program, as needed.

Maintains and updates County program with changes or revisions.

Assists with public outreach events sponsored by local organizations in the area of planning, registration, and facilitation.

Gathers information from - and works with - local government entities, non-profit organizations, and the private sector on issues pertaining to the program related to conservation planning, technical assistance, and resource management as it relates to preserved farms.

Updates agricultural conservation easement database. Creates new tables, forms, and reports in Microsoft Access as it relates to conservation planning and BMPs.

Maintains confidentiality of all records.

Conducts research and provides statistical, narrative, and evaluative information and analysis for use by management staff.

Develops and designs an agricultural resource manual for landowners and farmers in the program.

Coordinates and cooperates with various government agencies and non-profit organizations to accomplish necessary tasks.

Serves on agricultural advisory committees when requested.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program, preferably in a related environmental field; AND

Must be a USDA, NRCS Level III certified conservation planner at time of application, or be able to obtain certification within one (1) year of date of hire; AND

At least two (2) years of professional work experience in a similar or related field; AND

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to perform mathematical calculations for RMS Conservation Plans such as soil loss, size of grassed waterways, etc.

Ability to compose correspondence to landowners, lawyers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, residents, surveyors, appraisers, cooperating agencies, etc.

Ability to compose and edit policy and procedure manuals, text for displays, programs, brochures and flyers for events or informational purposes, Resource Management System Conservation Plans, inspection reports, and technical instructions for landowners with conservation issues.

Ability to write annual report and create monthly report template.

Ability to communicate effectively with residents, government officials, cooperating agencies, Board members, employees and summer assistants, landowners, public interest groups, and members of advisory committees.

Ability to assist with fiscal information.

Ability to read, research, and identify relevant information in various databases, reports, program documents, and conservation practices, and prepare summaries of information.

Ability to create brochures, displays, forms, documents, reports, seminar content, and manuals to provide information and promote programs.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, paper shredder, laminator, digital camera, typewriter, label maker, measuring and marking devices for conservation planning, and projection equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in different work site locations as required. The work environment can be loud, busy, and involve walking long distances in inclement weather and the ability to negotiate trails and rough terrain.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office setting, but may be loud in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE

PAY GRADE: CS/GR26

UNION STATUS: NON-UNION

Updated July 2025

Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefitswhich includes the following:

Medical Insurance

Vision and Prescription

Dental

Life Insurance

Retirement

I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.

III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.

IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree with preferred coursework in environmental studies, or a closely related course of study? If yes, you must attach copies of your college transcript(s) - unofficial copies are accepted. Failure to attach your transcripts will result in the rejection of your application. If you encounter difficulties uploading this documentation, please reach out to Human Resources BEFORE the posting close date.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have at least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience in a similar or related field? If yes, your work history section must reflect this experience to qualify.

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you possess a valid and current driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you currently have certification as a USDA, NRCS Level II conservation planner?

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you answered "no" to the previous question, please note that you must obtain this certification within one (1) year of date of hire to maintain employment status. Please enter "confirmed" in this field. If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please enter "N/A" in this field.

Required Question