Job Title:          Soil Technician – Summer Intern
Division:          Regulatory & Environmental Affairs

Headquarters: Moorefield Regional Agricultural Complex, Moorefield, WV

FLSA Status:   Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate:    $8.75

Nature of Work: Under close supervision, assists Nutrient Management Specialists with soil sampling and soil preparation.

Examples of Work:

• Contacts farmers to coordinate collection times.
• Collects soil and manure samples.
• Prepares soil samples for laboratory testing.
• Communicates results to the farmers orally and in writing.
• Works with staff to develop soil collection maps.
• Enters data into database for use in conservation and nutrient planning.
• Assists in developing Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
• Assists with tracking, verifying and reporting agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP).
• Assists WVDA with response to animal disease outbreaks.
• Follows appropriate farm bio-security protocols to perform assignments.
• Collaborates with other Certified Nutrient Management Planners and agriculture agencies to improve and increase service to the farm community.
• Assists with public education and outreach.
• Assists with reporting WVDA related activities.
• Assists with preparing reports, publications and news releases.
• Maintains producer confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Both an office environment and fieldwork; extensive days in the field walking long distances, traversing rough terrain, exposure to various weather conditions including, but not limited to, rain, cold and hot temperatures. May work alone or in a team. Must be able to lift and maneuver 40 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• Ability to understand the elements of a Nutrient Management plan.
• Ability to locate and travel to mapped locations.
• Ability to work with spreadsheets and mapping software.
• Ability to develop detailed reports.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow appropriate bio-security protocols.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out complex oral and written directions.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.

Qualifications:

Students who are currently enrolled or are planning to enroll in agriculture related fields of study are preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.