Conservation Specialist Intern (3 locations )

Title: Conservation Intern
Salary Range: $12.00 hour
Headquarters: Martinsburg, WV, McMechen, Moorefield 
Submit Resume to: cshreve@wvca.us
See posting on WVCA Careers Tab or Indeed 
Announcement closes: March 12, 2024
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Nature of Work:
Provide assistance to Conservation Specialists who are planning and implementing Agriculture Enhancement Program, Clean Water Act, Section 319 grant programs, and Chesapeake Bay grant programs that improve water quality from non-point sources by installing and implementing Best Management Practices on agricultural land, administering septic system repair programs, and administering stream restoration projects. Assistance will consist of but not be limited to surveying, stream monitoring, soil sampling, and practice installation.
Work Environment:
This position will consist primarily of fieldwork that may include traversing rough terrain, exposure to inclement weather, aerial flights, operation of small watercraft, and use of bio-security measures.
Examples of Work Performed:
• Assist WVCA Conservation Specialist with surveying over land to plan and layout conservation practices and collect data.
• Assist with conservation planning and nutrient management planning to improve water quality by meeting with landowners to discuss their needs and goals for land management and conservation.
• Assist with conservation practice installation to ensure that practices are implemented to specific designs and standards.
• Assist with field days and other educational events.
• Collect, prepare, and distribute information.
• Collect, prepare, and submit soil samples and litter/manure/compost samples for analysis.
• Comply with US, WV, and Local laws, standards, specifications, and requirements.
• Maintain producer confidentiality.
• Work with non-profit organizations, county commissions, municipalities, public service districts, and other government entities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to assist with conservation programs as a team member and/or individually.
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team working on joint and separate projects that protect or improve water quality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, and the public.
• Knowledge of basic GIS/GPS systems.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of conservation planning.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite computer programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Training (Education): Qualified candidates may be a recent high school graduate that have been accepted to an accredited college or university in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or related natural resource field or a current student at an accredited college or university majoring in one of the previously mentioned degree areas. Candidates that have recently graduated from an accredited college or university in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or other related natural resource field may also be considered.
Required Experience: Agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, or other land and natural resource management fields.
Additional Requirements:
• Dependable transportation required.
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver 40 lbs.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
• Pre-employment law enforcement background investigation.
• Valid driver’s license.