Natural-Resources Professional

JOB OVERVIEW
This is a job assigned to Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) and will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships between soil and water conservation initiatives and the local community. This role involves facilitating communication, organizing outreach programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. An incumbent in this position will also assist the Executive Director and Board with the grant application process, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental science, excellent communication skills, and a passion for conservation. An incumbent in this position is an unclassified (at-will) employee as defined in the Hillsborough County Administrator Human Resources Policy Manual.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE JOB
• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: Listed below are the essential/primary functions of the job. These are only illustrative and not exhaustive, and do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the essential/primary functions. 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. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety, and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Facilitate communication between soil and water conservation organizations and the local community.
• Organize and lead community workshops, educational events, and outreach programs. • Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and other stakeholders involved in soil and water conservation.
• Stay updated on relevant regulations, policies, and best practices related to soil and water conservation. • Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that is understandable to the broader community.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and partner representatives toward the development and implementation of natural resource conservation programs and projects.
• Assist the Executive Director and Board members with researching funding opportunities and developing grant proposals that align with Agency’s mission and core values.
• Assist agricultural producers and other landowners with natural resource liabilities with preparing applications for project funds.
• Draft reports, newsletters, and other materials to keep stakeholders informed.
• Prepare regular reports on grant program activities, outcomes, and financial status.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to grant applications, approvals, and project progress.
• Ensure that assigned projects adhere to grant requirements, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Promote and encourage the adoption of sustainable farming and other land management practices for the protection of natural resource values.
• Advocate for policies that promote sustainable land use and water management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
• Environmental Knowledge: Understanding of soil and water conservation principles and practices.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills including public speaking in English are essential for conveying information to diverse audiences. Good communication in Spanish is preferable but is not a substitute for effective communication skills in English.
• Networking: Ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Project Management: Skills in planning, organizing, and overseeing the implementation of conservation projects. Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and project management skills. 
• Community Engagement: Ability to engage and involve the community in conservation efforts. Ability to master program and technical information well enough to communicate the purpose, benefits and requirements of cooperative agreements associated with Agricultural Best Management Practices.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability and skills to address challenges and find practical solutions Ability to read, comprehend and analyze variety of complex written communications including legislative documents, policy manuals, operating procedures, rules, and regulations on behalf of the Executive Director and the Board.
• Policy Awareness: Stay informed about relevant environmental policies and regulations and maintain a technical familiarity with relevant laws.
• Research and Data Analysis: Basic skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental data. Ability and willingness to research Federal, State, and Foundational funding opportunities and support the Executive Director in developing grant applications.
• Passion for Conservation: Dedication to promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources.
• Leadership: Sound judgement and leadership skills to best represent the department and the County while engaging with elected and appointed officials and members of the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Education: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, soil science, agronomy, forestry, environmental science, or a related discipline is typically required. An applicant with an associate degree in the relevant field or a High School Diploma may qualify with a demonstrable equivalent combination of relevant certifications, continuing education, technical training and experience that would reasonably be expected to meet the job requirements listed above.
• Experience: At least three years of relevant work experience in natural resources management, soil and water conservation, pollution controls or related responsibilities is preferred. Technical and or popular writing experiences, such as for grant applications, funded research programs or project performance reporting is preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS • The job is a combination of fieldwork that includes site visits and office work to conduct data analysis, grant writing, report preparation, and planning.
• Collaboration in public settings with various stakeholders may involve meetings, workshops, community events and outreach programs.
• The incumbent in the position will be expected to operate a County-owned vehicle and may need to travel on occasion out of the district’s bounds to conduct business.
• The job involves a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, and the physical demands can vary based on the specific tasks assigned.
• The Capacity for repetitive lifting of weighted objects, up to fifty (50) pounds is required
• Outdoor Activities: Fieldwork often involves walking, standing, and sometimes working in various weather conditions. May need to navigate uneven terrain and be physically fit for outdoor tasks.
• Driving: A valid driver's license is often required, and the ability to drive to different locations within the district is common. This may involve sitting for extended periods while traveling.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License at the date of hire and maintain the same while employed in this position.

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