Conservation District Intern

Job Description

Position Information

Position Codes: CD9001 & CD 9002

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 120 hours

Pay: $14.01/hr

• Due to the importance of soil test timing, the 120-hour internship will be completed between late May and the end of June.
  
  

This internship may qualify for college credits. Please check with your college/university regarding requirements.**

Job Summary

The intern position (offered to 2 students) is a minimum 120-hour position which requires the intern(s) to administer the District's Pre-Sidedress Nitrogen Testing program to farmers in Cumberland County. The intern(s) will collect soil samples from local corn fields and test the samples to determine the nitrogen content. Test results will be provided to the farmer to aid in their determination of how much nitrogen to apply to their corn to minimize over-application while still meeting yield goals. Interns will also work with other department staff to explore other programs as time allows.

Essential Job Functions

• Collecting soil samples
• Testing soil for nitrogen levels
• Sending results to farmer
• Enter recommendations into computer
• Composing written report of results for Conservation District Directors
  
  

Learning Objectives

• Communicate clearly and effectively with farmers via phone calls or email to setup appointments to visit the farm, as well as gather valuable field information.
• Recognize why farmers would want to participate in the program and the benefits it provides them.
• The use of GIS and aerial maps. Interns will utilize the County’s Property Mapper to locate fields that are going to be tested for the nitrogen levels in the soil
• Know how to operate PSNT equipment and use supplies. PSNT equipment consists of soil probes, Nitrachek 404-meter, soil sieve, small weight scale and various liquid measuring containers. PSNT supplies include an extraction powder, a nitrate standard solution, nitrate testing strips and distilled water.
• Know the process of gathering soil samples. Using information gathered from talking with the farmer and using aerial maps to located fields. Walk a zig-zap pattern across the field using a soil probe to remove soil cores and dropping them into the bucket. After 10-12 cores are collected, those cores are broken down and mixed by hand so a good representative sample can be tested. That soil is then placed in a bag with the farmer’s name, Field ID and field acres.
• Know the process of testing the soil to determine its nitrate level. The soil will be brought back and air dried for a day or two depending on the moisture content. A nitrate standard solution, nitrogen extracting powder and nitrate test strips will be used in a repetitive sequence to obtain the soil’s nitrate level.
• Know the process of data entry and what each value in the Excel Spreadsheet represents. The Excel Spreadsheet contains an equation that in the end, averages of the results are used, and a number is generated that will determine a nitrogen recommendation, if one is needed so the farmer can reach their projected corn crop yield. Each cell represents results from each test so the averages can be calculated.
• Written communication will be used once a recommendation is determined for the field(s) by putting together a hard copy of the results with a brief letter explaining the results and sending them out to the farmer via mail.
• A field report is required for the Cumberland County Conservation District Board of Directors. The report will contain the following information: farmer’s names, the number of fields and acres tested, fields that with nitrogen recommendations and fields with no recommendations.
• Problem solving, decision making and adapting to situations that may occur out in the field or in the office (broken soil probe, non-functioning PSNT meter).
• Have the ability to collaborate with another intern efficiently to achieve a high level of service to the farmer
• Develop essential skills needed in the workplace. (Punctuality, professionalism, work ethic, organization)
• Time keeping, clocking in and out on a Kronos app used by all Cumberland County employees.
  
  

Education

Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree studies program including: GeoEnvironmental, Environmental Resources Management, Ag Science or other natural resources related field.
  
  

Work Experience

• Previous GIS experience preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instruction.
• Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills in relation to conservation projects.
• Must possess the ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with the public, co-workers and others.
• Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license and a willingness to travel as needed.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  
  

Physical & Mental Demands

• Must be able to walk over rough terrain and work in extreme weather conditions to collect soil samples
• Must be able to walk several miles across farm fields to collect soil samples
  
  

Work Environment

• Working outdoors at work sites and being subjected to heavy and/or dangerous equipment, poor water, odors and natural elements.
• Travels to work sites or other locations as required.
  
  

Special Note

If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within minutes of your job application submission, please check your email bulk or spam folders.

If you are having technical issues with the application or with uploading your resume please reach out to KeldairHR Customer Support: support@keldairhr.com.

Company Description

Mission Statement: To provide impactful and essential county services in the most effective, courteous, and financially responsible manner possible.

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this job application!

Technology Support/Issues With Applying

If you are having technology issues with the application or with uploading your resume and/or cover letter please reach out to KeldairHR Customer Support at support@keldairhr.com or Cumberland County Human Resources at humanresources@cumberlandcountypa.gov.

Email Confirmation

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Benefits

Additional Benefits:

• Opportunities for Advancement