JOB SUMMARY
Assist the Director in all aspects of administering the farmland preservation program with a specific focus on easement stewardship, but assisting in other areas as needed. Work with landowners, the State Bureau of Farmland Protection, title searchers, surveyors, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, planners, township officials, other county departments and organizations to compile necessary documentation to conduct monitoring visits of preserved farms and prepare official inspection reports.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Not a supervisory position, reports to Director, Ag. Preserve Board.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Farmland Preservation Specialist team is responsible for the following:
Easement Stewardship: Performs annual inspections of preserved farms. Reviews proposals for subdivision, land development and/or Rural Enterprise, makes recommendations and prepares summaries for Board review and action.
Easement Acquisition: Explains all aspects of farmland preservation to interested parties. Works with landowners, their family and advisors from application to easement acquisition. Conducts site visits, presents Board’s offer to purchase easement, and compile all necessary documentation to complete easement acquisition. Assists with annual ranking of easement applications.
Continually increases knowledge of conservation easement program, land use planning and agricultural practices. Learns and adapts new methods to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES
Point of contact for contracts for easement monitoring and conservation planning services. Provides oversight contract(s) for easement monitoring services, and coordinates the activities of the Stewardship Committee of the Ag. Preserve Board. Assists with annual ranking of applications. Perform other duties as assigned..
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, planning, geography, natural resource management or similar education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of conservation easements. General knowledge of agriculture and land use planning principles. Excellent research and analytical ability. Proficient computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet and GIS ability in an MS Office environment. Maintains required office hours and performs work accurately and on-time. Communicates effectively and professionally on behalf of the County and Agricultural Preserve Board through phone calls, letters, email and conducting meetings.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES
None.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires the employee to provide his or her own transportation between the office and preserved farms, to be able to transport files and equipment to his or her own vehicle and to be able to walk over uneven terrain.
