(Submit resume directly to gkauf3.pnercd@gmail.com)
​40 hour week - Full time
Based in Mayfield, PA USDA Service Center and serving the multi-county field team. Will be an employee of Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council (PNERCD).
 
Job Vacancy Overview for Conservation Program Assistant
 
The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council (PNE) desires to hire a full-time qualified candidate to fill a Conservation Program Assistant. The Program Assistant interacts with the NRCS staff and the public to carry out job assignments authorized by the partner organizations.

This Program Assistant position will be headquartered in Mayfield, PA.  The position will be under the direct day to day supervision of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist at that location. Workload and duties involve providing technical and administrative assistance to landowners and/or NRCS staff in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides technical and financial assistance to land users to apply conservation practices that protect our nation’s natural resources.
 
Major Duties of the position:
  1. Assist the NRCS field office staff with administering USDA programs.
  2. Serve as a point of contact at the NRCS Office for those interested in learning more about USDA programs.
  3. Transferring field data to land-use aerial photos or computer files as necessary.
  4. Manage requests and tracking database related to Farm Bill Compliance of Highly Erodible Lands and Wetland Compliance.
  5. Create and maintain file records of transactions or contracts needed to document USDA assistance.
  6. Contact applicants and/or NRCS staff members as needed to complete necessary forms for program participation.
  7. Provide administrative assistance & support as required by NRCS and RC&D staff.
  8. Provide activity summary progress reports bi-weekly as directed. 
  9. This is mainly an office administrative position with little to no field time.
 
Position is Full-time, Monday - Friday   
                                                                                                  
Knowledge and Skills Required:
  1. Minimum Education Requirement: High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  2. Valid driver’s license.
  3. Reliable transportation to do work in  Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties as needed.  Mileage reimbursement available with proper documentation.  
  4. Ability to communicate effectively with USDA clientele including farmers and rural landowners.
  5. Strong computer skills. Experience with GIS a plus.
  6. Ability to use all modern office equipment including printing, scanning, emailing and document conversion.
  7. Ability to walk under difficult field conditions including uneven ground or inclement weather.

Candidates for the position should have the following skills and/or experience to apply
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer software.
  • Good oral communication skills.
  • Good written communication skills.
  • Be self motivated.
  • Enjoy variety of work.
  • Enjoy learning new things.
  • Enjoy working with other people and partners. 
 
The position is headquartered at the NRCS office in Mayfield, PA, but, at management discretion, the 40-hour work week will be continually divided between the Mayfield Field Office in Lackawanna County, PA, and the Montrose Field Office in Susquehanna County, PA. Additionally, occasional day travel throughout the assigned counties and possible, but infrequent, overnight travel to other locations may be necessary for the employee to receive training or carry out business for the organization.  Travel expenses will be covered by PNE as appropriate.
 
The position is funded on an annual basis for Monday through Friday at 40 hours per week with a starting wage rate of $16.00 to $17.00 per hour.  Other benefits include:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered from day one.
  • In-Lieu of Benefit Program Payment
 
Interested candidates can apply through indeed.com or may apply online here at no later than November 20, 2020 to be considered for the position.  A verbal interview will also be required to make the final selection from a short list of the best qualified candidates upon review of all the applications received.  A background check will be required.

For more information about the USDA-NRCS Agency please visit www.nrcs.gov
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