Water Quality Specialist

Full job description Primary Location : United States of America-OHIO-Hancock County-Findlay
Work Locations : AGRI Hanc NO ADDRESS Findlay 45840
Organization : Agriculture
Classified Indicator : Classified
Bargaining Unit / Exempt : Exempt
Schedule : Full-time
Compensation : $32.51-$46.25: Based on Qualifications
Unposting Date : Apr 25, 2024, 10:59:00 PM
Primary Job Skill : Natural Resources
Technical Skills : Agriculture, Natural Resources, Public Health, Soil & Water Conservation
Professional Skills : Analyzation, Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Problem Solving, Written Communication
Agency Contact Name : Keary Sorgini
Agency Contact Information : Water Quality Specialist
(240002T6) Job Duties Competitive salary: $67,620 - $96,200Annually
Who We Are: Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio's number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation's egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio's farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.
ODA's beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.
You'll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
What We Do: Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio's farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state's top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!
As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC) provides leadership and services that enable Ohioans to conserve, protect, and enhance soil, water, and land resources. The DSWC was established beginning January 2016 through a transfer of programs from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture.
What You'll Do: No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Division of Soil & Water Conservation is looking for a Water Quality Specialist to join the team! This position will be headquartered in Findlay, Ohio (Hancock County). The Water Quality Specialist position is responsible for:
In the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Division of Soil & Water Conservation (DSWC), plans, supervises, assists, and/or coordinates activities related to Phosphorus Removal Structures Program Conducts financial reviews and tracks funding allocations & prepares detailed reports Coordinates with ODA legal team to develop agreements and addendums Works with partners to coordinate efficient program formulation & implementation & assists in setting program goals Directs, assists, and/or coordinates activities related to the development of a variety of phosphorus removal structures such as phosphorus filters, conservation ditches, or other identified structures Serves as Division water quality specialist & tracks water quality statistics on conservation practice effectiveness in regards phosphorus removal Evaluates and summarizes watershed water quality modeling efforts and impact from phosphorus hot spots in cropland Collaborates with researchers and other water quality experts to communicate Division needs for future research Reviews grant proposals regarding conservation practices and makes recommendations based on water quality expectations Analyzes reports & studies & recommends course of action; prepares reports & correspondence Coordinates workshops &/or meetings Prepares education materials, scripts, booklets & pamphlets Oversees preparation of displays & exhibits Acts as liaison with local, state, & national organizations Represents agency/division in or attends & participates in meetings, training sessions & seminars & reads materials to keep abreast of water quality related issues Handles & resolves community complaints & problems Serves as expert witness Assists SWCDs in Northwestern Ohio in the investigation & resolution of complaints associated with violations of agricultural pollution abatement rules We Support Diversity and Inclusion: ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.
What's in it for you: At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
Medical Coverage
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan. Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are available the following month after your hire date. Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave 11 paid holidays per year Childbirth/Adoption leave Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information. Deferred Compensation
The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information. Maternity Benefits
12 weeks paid childbirth leave at 70% with option to supplement to 100% Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers. Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include: o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits. Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers. Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Qualifications
54 months training or 54 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description
AND
Valid driver's license


OR
Undergraduate major core program & 30 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description
AND
Valid driver's license
OR
Completion of graduate major core program & 18 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description
AND
Valid driver's license


OR
6 months experience as Natural Resources Administrator 1, 22911, in assigned area
AND
Valid driver's license


OR
Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above
ADA Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Knowledge of supervisory principles/techniques; employee training & development; state & federal laws, rules & guidelines pertaining to assigned area; natural resources of assigned area (e.g., fisheries, forestry, wildlife, aquatic biology, botany, geology, ecology, zoology). Ability to write instructions & specifications concerning proper uses of machinery; resolve complaints from angry citizens & government officials; define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions; use research methods in gathering data.
(*)Developed after employment.

This position is overtime exempt.
If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.



Unusual Working Conditions :
Requires travel.


For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:
Keary Sorgini

Background Check Information
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.