Applicants for all positions within the NRD are required to complete this general application form and submit it with other materials. 

PURPOSE:

To provide secretarial services for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff under the direct daily supervision of the Resource Conservationist as provided for under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and the United States Department of Agriculture.  Assist producers with conservation related matters and perform minor administrative functions for the NRCS field office.  Act as the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District’s (NRD) representative at the local level.  Assist customers with the Upper Big Blue NRD’s programs including handling orders for tree purchases and District planting, land treatment cost-share applications and wildlife habitat enhancement programs.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide secretarial services for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District.
• Handle routine inquiries or refer visitors with more technical inquiries to the proper staff or agency.
• Take calls and greet walk-in customers.  Take detailed messages and relay to appropriate staff or agency.
• Handle incoming mail and electronic communications.  Route to staff members as appropriate.
• Maintain producer files, including creating new files, filing maps, updating landowner information, and transferring assistance notes, conservation plans, determinations, engineering, and other forms.
• Maintain contract files.  Create new contract files and update CRP, EQIP, CSP, WRP participant information.
• Maintain files and records in predetermined, systematic manner for retention, protection, and retrieval.
• Type letters, reports, and other documents from rough drafts.  Follow proper office procedures.
• Setting up appointments for NRCS and NRD staff as needed.
• Maintain NRCS office supplies, including taking staff requests for supplies, completing requisition form for submission to NRCS purchasing representative, and stocking supplies as needed.
• Assists producers with cost-sharing applications for land treatment, tree planting plans and orders, and wildlife habitat inquiries.
• Assists customers with technical questions on conservation practices.  Explains basic requirements of various NRCS and NRD programs.
• Collects payments or fees for various NRD sales.
• Coordinates with other NRCS field offices regarding NRCS and NRD matters.
• Coordinates with NRD staff on District related matters and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are typical of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associates Degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and personnel policies.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Skill in reviewing, proofing, and verifying data.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
• Ability to do minor bookkeeping, including handling of cash.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with people.
• Capable of working independently and taking responsibility for results.
• Use sound judgement in difficult situations to facilitate conflict resolution.
• Ability to use tact and judgement in dealing with the public, Board of Directors, staff, and other agencies.
• Be computer literate with experience in word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.  Microsoft Office experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lifting 25 pounds from ground level to overhead.
• Sitting for extended periods of time behind a computer screen.
• Ability to fold, stuff, and postmark large mailings.
• Ability to communicate in person, and by telephone, computer, email, and correspondence to exchange information and ideas and to promote agency needs, plans, and objectives.         

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The employee is expected to comply with the Upper Big Blue NRD’s personnel policies, drug-free and alcohol-free workplace policies, anti-harassment, and safety policies.   The employee is also expected to comply with all workplace policies of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.   While representing the District and the NRCS, the employee will conduct him or herself in a professional manner and avoid actions or comments that would reflect unfavorably on the NRD or NRCS.

As a condition of employment, the individual must be able to provide the required documentation establishing citizenship or the authorization to work in the United States. Additionally, they must be successful in obtaining security clearance to allow access to a Federal computer system. 

TO APPLY: 

Please send a completed application form along with resume and cover letter to Nancy Brisk (nbrisk@upperbigblue.org). 

SUMMARY: 

Maintains the operations, appearance, and safety of District Recreation Areas, facilities, and properties. Performs operation and maintenance duties including, but not limited to, clean-up and upkeep of grounds and facilities, payment collections, engagement with Recreation Area visitors, and assistance with project work as determined. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following duties, but additional duties may be assigned, as necessary: 

• Maintain and cleans campgrounds, restrooms, day-use areas, and other District facilities and grounds.

• Collects and removes litter and debris from camping areas, trash receptacles, shelters, amphitheaters, grills and fire rings, and overall District property grounds. 

• Monitors and tracks campground usage, collects payments, and enforces District rules and regulations within authority granted. 

• Engages with Recreation Area visitors and recreation users to build good public relations, answer questions, and respond to needs and issues.

• Installs, inspects, and repairs kiosks, signs, playground equipment, picnic tables, benches, and other park structures and amenities.

• As directed by the Supervisor, may assist with landscaping, pruning shrubs and trees, maintaining recreation area trails and roads, and other Recreation Area activities and projects.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The following requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Communication Skills: Ability to comprehend instructions, guidelines, and other correspondence. Ability to write basic correspondence and complete forms or checklists. Ability to effectively engage one-on-one with recreation area visitors, the general public, and District staff.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to make basic calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Possesses an understanding of various units of measurement. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply reasonable and sound judgement when solving problems or completing standardized work assignments. Critical thinking and resourcefulness are important when faced with a variety of situations that may or may not have one clear action or response. 

Other Skills & Abilities: 

• Experience with outdoor maintenance and grounds work. 

  • Ability to work independently and complete assigned work with little supervision. 

  • Aptitude and experience with light equipment and mechanical repair work preferred. 

  • Experience with building and facility operations and maintenance, and light construction work is helpful. 

• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Current State of Nebraska driver’s license required.

• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The employee is expected to comply with the District’s Employee Handbook and all personnel policies, drug-free and alcohol-free workplace policies, and safety policies. While representing the District, the employee will conduct him or herself in a professional manner and avoid actions or comments that would reflect unfavorably on the District. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be observant of surroundings and interpret visual and auditory cues when determining a course of action.

• The employee will frequently need to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to operate or handle objects, tools, controls, and vehicles. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch. 

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds above waist height and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions, which may include extreme heat and cold at times along with wet conditions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

• The employee works near lakes and other water bodies, and in areas with various plants, wildlife, and aquatic species. 

• The employee may work near moving mechanical parts, vibrating equipment, and electrical systems including vehicles, machinery, and motors. 

• Occasionally, the employee may encounter fumes, pesticides, or caustic chemicals. This also includes exposure to dust and other airborne particulates.

• The employee may frequently be traveling in a vehicle for long period of time to reach work locations. 

WORK HOURS & SCHEDULE:

Up to 19 hours per week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with some occasional work on holidays, evenings, special events, and/or for projects. 

COMPENSATION:

$17/hr

TO APPLY:

Please send a completed general employment application to info@upperbigblue.org.