Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District

04/06/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Job Title: District Internship
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non- Exempt
Classification: Part TIme , Temporary
Salary: $20.00 per hour
Purpose:
The Intern would assist district staff in carrying out the Strategic Plan and Annual Plan of Work of the Holston River SWCD Office in Abingdon, VA. This includes the implementation of the Virginia Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program and providing conservation farm planning and technical assistance.
The Holston River SWCD Intern is an employee of the Holston River SWCD District and is responsible to the Board of Directors.The primary work location is located at SWCD Office in Abingdon, VA.

Duties:
Work in cooperation with other technical staff to prepare completed VACS applications for presentation to the SWCD Board of Directors which may include but is not limited to:
● Design of practices, calculations and survey & map work
● Responsible for working with technical staff to ensure contract payments are processed and issued in a timely manner
● Assisting technical staff with farm visits to determine feasibility & need of conservation practices
● Assisting technical staff in obtaining related field data needed for evaluation and design of conservation practices and ability to perform mathematical calculations relevant to the BMP practices
● Ability to interpret and correlate information from maps, use computer software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and GPS
● Assist staff with environmental education events as needed
● Attend Board meetings and special meetings as needed
● Adhere to personnel policy, keep accurate time and attendance records

More detailed description upon request

To apply please send a resume, VA Application for Employment, and references to [email protected].

Send a message to learn more

03/24/2026

Happy National Ag Day from everyone here at HRSWCD!

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

Please join us for our outreach meeting and listen to our wonderful guest speakers!! It is a free event! We will also have informational and ag business booths, a producer spotlight, and partner agencies there as well! Door prizes will be passed out so make sure you get a ticket as you come in!! If you plan to stay for the banquet/dinner at 6:30, please RSVP by Monday, Feb 2. [email protected]

07/09/2025

It is time to send our trusty Ford Ranger down the road. She has 139,00 +/- miles and is a 2006, four wheel drive, extended cab. Everything works and runs. We will be taking sealed bids on this truck. Please mail or drop off a sealed bid to 448 Commerce Dr. Abingdon, VA 24211. Please include your contact information and official offer in the bid. The deadline to have these in will be August 11th and they will be opened in our August board meeting in public forum. If you have the winning bid, you will be contacted after the bids are opened.

06/30/2025

WE ARE HIRING! Pleas email [email protected] your VA Application for Employment, resume, and references.

JOB TITLE: Operations Technician
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT STATUS: Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Part-time or Full-time, Permanent
SALARY/FRINGE BENEFITS: Salary (Based on experience), VRS, Health/Dental Insurance, Aflac Supplemental Insurance.

PURPOSE
The Operations Technician is an employee of the Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and is responsible to the Board of Directors of that body. The primary work location is located at the Holston River SWCD Office in Abingdon, VA. This position is responsible for maintaining the support programs and office operation for Holston River SWCD and assisting with education and technical staff on an as requested basis. This position also assists in carrying out the objectives in the Strategic Plan and Annual Plan of Work of the Holston River SWCD.

DUTIES
1. Fiscal Management
a. Maintains SWCD financial records – processes receipts, prepares invoices, pays
bills, etc.
b. Prepare uploads to business management service for payroll, receipts, and bills.
c. Processes payroll and related payroll taxes.
d. Maintains employee tax forms.
e. Prepares monthly Treasurer’s Reports.
f. Prepares quarterly and end-of-year financial reports.
g. Processes monthly, quarterly, annual tax forms.
h. Processes agricultural program payments (VACS, CREP, etc.).
i. Point of contact for SWCD audit.

2. Clerical
a. Performs receptionist duties in a friendly, courteous, and helpful manner.
b. Type letters, memorandums, correspondence, reports, and other materials.
c. Monthly SWCD Board Meetings: In consultation w/ SWCD Chair, prepares board meeting agendas, coordinates all related items for meetings (meals, materials, exhibits, etc.), Posts board and committee meeting announcements publicly, Prepares SWCD board meeting packets, Takes, transcribes, and circulates
monthly minutes and agendas.
d. Receives, sorts, and distributes mail.
e. Maintains SWCD files.
f. Maintains SWCD supply inventory.
g. Maintains SWCD inventory list.
h. Serve as FOIA and record retention officer for Holston River SWCD
i. Administer the VRS program and health insurance program for Holston River
SWCD.
j. Handle the insurance needs of Holston River SWCD

3. Project Development
a. Assist the grants manager with the development of the Annual Plan of Work and
Strategic Plan.
b. Prepares SWCD Annual Report, newsletters, etc.
c. Assist Conservation Specialist with the planning of the Annual SWCD Awards
Banquet.
d. Disseminates VASWCD awards program information.

4. Other Assigned Duties
a. Assist Education Specialist with large environmental education events (field days,
workshops, etc.).
b. Assist Education Specialist with ENVIROTHON competition.
c. Maintain an accurate Time and Attendance Sheet and submit bi-monthly.
d. Attend special meetings as requested by the board.
e. Adhere to policies outlined in current Holston River SWCD Personnel Policy.
f. Carry out other duties as assigned by SWCD.

ADVANCEMENT
For this position to progress from Technician to Specialist and become full time, requires the
following:
- Minimum of 1 year of experience
- Above Satisfactory performance in all listed duties
- Completing all required fiscal and clerical training
- The adoption of new responsibilities including bringing payroll and financial services
back in house.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
Prior experience with accounting process practices, providing administrative support, and assisting with the administration of state and federal grants program preferred. Valid Virginia
driver’s license is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
In addition to the Education and Experience cited above, the employee must have a sound working knowledge of basic accounting procedures and programs (Quicken, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.), payroll preparation and related reports, word processing programs (Word, WordPerfect, etc.), spreadsheet and database programs. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact professionally with District and partner agency staff as well as a diverse population of landowners and the public; ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team; and demonstrate sound computer proficiencies. Must be a team player with excellent collaboration skills. Must also pass a USDA-NRCS security background investigation.

SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE
This employee reports directly to the Holston River SWCD Executive Committee Chair and is under the direction of the Holston River SWCD Executive Committee. The Holston River SWCD Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for this employee. This employee should report to

the Grants manager for technical and budget-related decisions, and the senior education staff person for relevant questions and decisions. All updates and decisions made regarding employee benefits should be discussed with all staff.

HRSWCD is an equal opportunity employer.

06/30/2025

WE ARE HIRING! Pleas email [email protected] your VA Application for Employment, resume, and references.

JOB TITLE: Conservation Technician with Education Duties
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT STATUS: Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Permanent
SALARY/FRINGE BENEFITS: Salary Range: (based on experience), VRS, Health/Dental Insurance, Aflac Supplemental Insurance.

PURPOSE
The Conservation Technician with Education Duties is an employee of the Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and is responsible to the Board of Directors of that body. The primary work location is located at the Holston River SWCD Office in Abingdon, VA.
The Conservation Technician with Education duties assists in carrying out the objectives in the Strategic Plan and Annual Plan of Work of the Holston River SWCD. This includes implementation of the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share (VACS) Program, assisting with conservation farm planning, assisting with TMDL Grant projects, and environmental education outreach for youth and adults. This position is responsible for 30% of the BMP project load and 70% of education duties excluding Farm Field Day and Envirothon.

Duties
1. Fiscal Management
a. Maintain SWCD financial records – process receipts, prepare invoices, and pay bills
with the assistance with the hired business management service.
b. Prepare twice a month uploads to business management service for payroll,
receipts, and bills.
c. Responsible for working with other technical staff to calculate VACS Program and
CREP contract payments. Responsible for making sure contract payments are
processed and issued in a timely and accurate manner.

2. Clerical
a. Serve as a point of contact in a friendly manner for community members seeking out
office staff or services.
b. Monthly SWCD Board Meetings: In consultation w/ SWCD Chair, prepares board meeting agendas, coordinates all related items for meetings (meals, materials, exhibits, etc.), Posts board and committee meeting announcements publicly, prepares SWCD board meeting packets, takes, transcribes, and circulates monthly minutes and agendas.
c. Maintains SWCD files.
d. Maintains SWCD and NRCS manuals and directories.
e. Maintains SWCD supply inventory.
f. Maintains SWCD inventory list.
g. Prepares SWCD Annual Report.

3. Technical Support and Project Development
a. Has capable knowledge of Holston River SWCD programs, including but not limited to Agricultural and Residential Programs.
b. Has working knowledge of Tracking Program.
c. Assist with the education Specialist with the planning of the Annual SWCD Awards Banquet.
d. Coordinate and plan the Annual Outreach event.
e. Responsible for ensuring that all VACS Program and CREP applications and contracts are accurately entered into the VA BMP Tracking Program.
f. Obtain information and related basic field data needed for the evaluation, design, and layout of conservation practices.
g. Complete surveys for design and layout of practices. Ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary in the design of best management practices. Ability to interpret and correlate information from maps such as topographic, soils, hydrologic
units, etc.
h. Ability to use computer software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and GIS.
i. Provide a minimum of 12 hours/week of conservation technical assistance or other field activities outside of the office
j. Implement the TMDL Residential Septic Pump out and Repair program

4. Education
a. Foster and maintain a working relationship with the Washington County Public School System.
b. Develop and implement environmental education programs in Washington County classrooms.
c. Prepare and distribute at least annually environmental education program publicity materials to Washington County educators.
d. Develop and maintain the Holston River SWCD Environmental Education Resource Library.
e. Assist the education specialist to coordinate the Envirothon Education Program at the local level. Cooperatively work with local team(s), coach(es), etc.
f. Provide environmental education materials to the Washington County Public School System and other interested parties.
g. Promote and distribute information for VASWCD Educational Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program, Holston River SWCD Scholarship Program, and other scholarships, as appropriate.
h. Promote other youth conservation efforts as they arise throughout the fiscal year.
i. Assist the Senior Education Staff in lieu of an Education Specialist with the planning of farm field day
j. Participate in training opportunities specific to environmental education.

5. Other Assigned Duties
a. Attend special meetings as requested by the board.
b. Maintain an accurate Time and Attendance Sheet and submit bi-monthly.
c. Adhere to policies outlined in current Holston River SWCD Personnel Policy.
d. Carry out other duties as assigned by SWCD Board.

ADVANCEMENT
For this position to progress from Technician to Specialist, requires the following:
- Minimum of 1 year of experience
- Above Satisfactory performance in all listed duties
- Finishing the Conservation Planner Certification Course through DCR
- Obtaining some Engineering Job Approval Authority
- The adoption of new responsibilities as seen fit by the District.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Conservation, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management or a related degree of study is preferred. A valid driver’s license is required. Engineering Job Approval Authority and Conservation Planning Certification through the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation is required and must be obtained within 24 months of initial employment and maintained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
In addition to the Education and Experience cited above, the employee must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, ability to work independently, ability to meet the public effectively, strong verbal and written communication skills, effective management techniques, and computer literacy. The employee must also pass a USDA-NRCS
security background investigation.

SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE
This employee reports directly to the Holston River SWCD Executive Committee Chair and is
under the direction of the Holston River SWCD Executive Committee. The Holston River SWCD
Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for this employee.

HRSWCD Is an equal opportunity employer.

01/31/2025

Please come out and join us for our Ag and Conservation Partners Expo! We will have multiple speakers, booths, agencies, and ag businesses represented at this event, and we hope you will join us for a fun networking opportunity.

01/22/2025

The Holston River Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking to hire an experienced Operations Technician. Responsibilities for this position will be focused on the administrative operation needs of the District.

There are no set education requirements for this position, but secondary education in relevant fields such as accounting, business, etc. will be considered favorable. Prior work experience in local government, nonprofits, or small business settings will be considered preferred to additional secondary education. Candidates should have prior experience working with retirement programs like VRS, insurance policy management, and bookkeeping.

Applicants must submit a VA State Application for Employment – Form 10-012, a resume, and a cover letter. Applications may be mailed to Holston River SWCD, 448 Commerce Drive, Abingdon, VA 24211 or emailed to [email protected]. For information or questions please call (276) 628-6691. This position will remain open until filled.

The hiring salary range is $37,765 - $49,096 based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Virginia Retirement System, health/dental insurance, leave benefits, as well as other fringe benefits. A Virginia Driver’s License is required. References, background check, drug testing may also be requested as part of the hiring process. Holston River Soil & Water Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

11/01/2024

We will have a booth set up at the Agriculture Recovery Day on November 7th.