Job Description

Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator (Conservation Program Specialist 1) Print ( Apply Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator (Conservation Program Specialist 1) Salary $56,900.00 - $86,514.00 Annually Location Dauphin County, PA Job Type Civil Service Permanent Full-Time Job Number

CSSC-2024-85459-55060

Department Department of Agriculture Division AG Off of Sec Opening Date 06/10/2024 Closing Date 6/24/2024 11:59 PM Eastern Job Code 55060 Position Number 50666480 Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit B4 Pay Group ST07 Bureau / Division Code 00041000 Bureau / Division Office of the Secretary Worksite Address 2301 N Cameron Street City Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Zip Code 17011 Contact Name OA, CE Section Intake Division Contact Email RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Are you passionate about pursuing a career in the field of professional conservation? Do you thrive on the fulfillment that comes from planning and implementing unique conservation projects? Take the first step towards joining the Department of Agriculture team by submitting your application today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The role involves supporting tasks associated with grants provided under the Sustainable Agriculture Act, such as creating program guidelines, suggesting applications for board approval, and ensuring that applicants adhere to the program's guidelines. Additionally, this position aids Commission staff in managing the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) tax credit program. Furthermore, the individual in this position will play a part in developing and executing guidelines for the program concerning soil health, sustainable agriculture, and climate practices. They will also offer technical assistance for the Commission's initiatives regarding compliance with the PA Clean Streams Law, which includes aspects like Ag E&S Plans and Manure Management Plans. Moreover, this role extends technical support to the Commission's other agricultural programs, such as ACAP and CEP, focusing on issues related to climate change, soil health, sustainability, and regenerative farming practices. The individual will also be responsible for representing the Commission at various stakeholder meetings and events as necessary, ensuring effective communication and collaboration within the agricultural community. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description ( . Work Schedule and Additional Information: + Full-time employment. + Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch. + Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. + Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. + You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: + Two years experience as a Conservation District Field Representative 2; or + Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Other Requirements: + This particular position requires possession of a valid PA Class C Driver's License. + You must meet the PA residency requ irement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link ( and click on Residency. + You must be able to perform essential job functions. Legal Requirements: + You must pass a background investigation. + This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. + Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance. How to Apply: + Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). + If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. + Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. + Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans: + Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov . Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): + 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). + Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. + Your score is valid for this specific posting only. + You must provide complete and accurate information or: + your score may be lower than deserved. + you may be disqualified. + You may only apply/testoncefor this posting. + Your results will be provided via email. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo ( ! Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.* Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. *Eligibility rules apply. 01 Select Cert- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02 If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below. 03 Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Conservation District Field Representative 2 for two or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

04 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience MUST also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 05 How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in the application of soil and water conservation practices?

• A. 3 or more years
• B. Less than 3 years
• C. None

06 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience MUST also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 07 How much graduate coursework have you completed in natural or environmental resources management, or a closely related discipline? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you are claiming education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit click on Other Information.

• A. 30 or more credits
• B. 15 but less than 30 credits
• C. Less than 15 credits
• D. None

08 You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score. All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions. Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function. If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions. If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page ( . + Yes 09 WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - ADVISORY, PROBLEM SOLVING, AND LIAISON SERVICESProvides advisory services, problem solving assistance, and serves as a liaison resource person to county and municipal officials, landowners, contractors, and other government agencies for the formulation, interpretation, and implementation of research, demonstrations, studies, and state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.Advisory Services- serves as a point of contact, advises on interpretations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc., advises on Best Management Practices (BMPs), acts as an Ombudsman.Problem Solving Assistance- gathers data and information and applies to rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc., to make a determination. May request assistance from others and form informal workgroups to discuss ideas and propose changes before a decision is made.Serves as Liaison- forms working relationships with member organizations and individuals; responsible for the day-to-day management of the group to which you are assigned. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing advisory services, problem solving assistance, AND serving as a liaison to various parties for the formulation, interpretation, OR implementation of research, demonstrations, studies, and state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• B. I have experience providing advisory services AND serving as a liaison to various parties for the formulation, interpretation, OR implementation of research, demonstrations, studies, and state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• C. I have experience serving as a liaison to various parties for the formulation, interpretation, OR implementation of research, demonstrations, studies, or state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

10 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your role in providing advisory services, problem solving assistance, or serving as a liaison for formulation, interpretation, or implementation of research, demonstrations, studies, and state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Your level of responsibility.

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE

Prepares written correspondence, such as technical and administrative guidance and protocols, letters, narrative or inspection reports, guidelines, pamphlets, or news releases, concerning conservation issues and activities related to soil and water conservation; erosion and sediment control; dirt and gravel road maintenance; and for distribution to program participants, state and federal agencies, and the public. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing technical documents for internal AND public use. I was solely responsible for the content of the documents.
• B. I have experience writing technical documents for internal OR public use. I was solely responsible for the content of the documents.
• C. I have experience drafting PORTIONS of written technical documents. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the documents.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing, report writing, or business writing.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

12 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to technical writing, including the type(s) of documents you wrote.
• Your level of responsibility.

13 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title(s)
• Credits/Clock Hours

14 WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PROGRAM ANALYSISReviews and analyzes program information related to overall progress, work strategies, policies, and procedures to identify program strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation to assess possible impact. Recommends new or updated policies, procedures, or training to ensure adherence to program goals and objectives and compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, and standards. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing program information related to overall progress, work strategies, policies, and procedures to identify program strengths, opportunities, and challenges. I recommended new or updated policies or procedures to support program goals and objectives.
• B. I have experience analyzing program information related to overall progress, work strategies, policies, and procedures to identify program strengths, opportunities, and challenges. I reported my findings to someone else who was responsible for recommending new or updated policies or procedures.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework in program evaluation, program analysis, logic, or business administration.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

15 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to analyzing the progress, work strategies, policies, and procedures of a program.
• Your experience recommending new or improved program policies or procedures.
• Your level of responsibility.

16 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title(s)
• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Address 613 North Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website #J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job, Work from home, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,

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