Farmland Preservation Technician

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GENERAL PURPOSE
The Farmland Preservation Technician position performs skilled work related to natural resource management, agricultural conservation and preservation, and geospatial information system management. This position provides direct technical and administrative assistance to the Farmland Preservation division and support to the Parks & Recreation division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Farmland Preservation Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Assists farmers and landowners with the assessment of natural resource issues and the review and implementation of conservation plans on preserved farms and County owned properties.

Conducts required biennial on-site inspections on all preserved farms to ensure compliance with the agricultural conservation easement. Provides direct support with inspecting and management County owned property through natural resource management.

Completes annual inspection summary report for submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Farmland Preservation. Uses computer software to review and extract Recorder of Deeds information to ensure compliance with the agricultural conservation easement. Instructs and assists landowners in resolving deed violations. Prepares related legal documents and related correspondence. Prepares annual notification to municipalities and school districts of all preserved farms located within their jurisdiction.

Works with landowners and/or farmers to achieve voluntary compliance when a violation of the agricultural conservation easement is observed. Files necessary reports if violation is not resolved. Completes all inspection reports required on preserved farms.

Utilizes ArcGIS to analyze properties and prepare maps for property analysis and to support planning and resource management on preserved farms and County owned properties.

Attends Northampton County Farmland Preservation Board of Directors meetings.
Creates and prepares newsletter, brochures, and handouts for public outreach. Updates departmental display and data on website when needed. Sets up at various local agricultural fairs or public events.

Maintains the established databases and office record keeping systems. Establishes, maintains, and updates preserved farm filing systems.

Works with Federal/State/local non-profit agencies and businesses/corporations to enhance and promote environmental restoration, environmental education, and promotion of the natural resources of Northampton County.

Assists in the preparation of the annual report which includes maps, status statistics on funds expended, acres preserved, status of projects, and relevant work completed in the year.

Works in cooperation with County employees and local agencies to provide and assist in resource management plans and maintenance, mapping, and natural resource inventories.

Attends training sessions as required to update skills.

*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 with major course work in agriculture, natural resource management, geographic information systems, environmental studies, or a related field. 

NOTE: Full-time, professional work experience in the field of conservation at the Federal/State/local level may be substituted on year-for-year basis for the education requirement; 

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  
Knowledge of agriculture and natural resource conservation and corresponding resource management level planning.

Ability to read and interpret technical literature and management plans.

Basic knowledge of procedural and processing requirements governing work operations in government offices.

Knowledge of clerical practices and procedures commonly employed in administrative, government, or similar offices.

Ability to learn and use computer programs such as Arc View GIS, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and other programs to accomplish conservation planning, tracking, and reporting tasks.

Ability to learn and use technical devices when needed such as digital camera, hand-held GPS unit, laser-level, clinometer, compass, and tablet.

Ability to organize workload, establish priorities, and complete technical/clerical processing requirements.

Ability to learn specific State and local laws, regulations, and operation procedures governing land use and management.

Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and/or inclement weather.

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, spreadsheet, and specialized software required of this position), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, paper shredder, GPS unit, compass, tablet, laser level, and clinometer.

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

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) 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
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office. When in the field employee may encounter loud conditions for a moderate period of time. Must be able to tolerate dusty, wet, hot, cold, and humid conditions around heavy equipment. Must be able to walk up slopes and difficult terrain.

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 NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:    CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:        RU/GR24
UNION STATUS:  AFSCME RESIDUAL UNION

Updated August 2025