POSITION DESCRIPTION

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State of Michigan Civil Service Commission

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Capitol Commons Center, P.O. Box 30002 Lansing, MI 48909

1. RESRALTA Position Code

2. Employee's Name (Last, First, M.I.) 8. Department/Agency

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DVLPMNT

3. Employee Identification Number 9. Bureau (Institution, Board, or Commission)

4. Civil Service Position Code Description 10. Division

Resource Analyst-A Environmental Stewardship

5. Working Title (What the agency calls the position) 11. Section Grants and MAEAP Training Liaison

6. Name and Position Code Description of Direct Supervisor 12. Unit KELPINSKI, JOSEPH F; ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER-3

7. Name and Position Code Description of Second Level Supervisor 13. Work Location (City and Address)/Hours of Work

SWARTZ, MARK S; STATE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER-1 / Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

This position description serves as the official classification document of record for this position. Please complete the information as accurately as you can as the position description is used to determine the proper classification of the position.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Environmental Stewardship Division (ESD) provides technical services through conservation district grant staff to farmers in identifying, planning, and implementing practices on farms that are protective of the environment and aligned with Standards for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and other ESD missions. This position serves as a recognized resource for MAEAP and will focus on grant identification and proposal, draft grant preparation, and partner collaboration, including grant timelines and initial approvals for new grants, as well as initial grant management assignments. This position also coordinates all training for MAEAP related technicians in several grant programs, collaboratively working with Michigan State University (MSU) and the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA - NRCS) to maintain consistency in meeting current standards, both in actual practices and in written documents. The position also tracks farmer participation in MAEAP Phase 1 meetings statewide and approves farmer education events for Phase 1 credit through the MAEAP database.

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15. Please describe the assigned duties, percent of time spent performing each duty, and what is done to complete each duty. List the duties from most important to least important. The total percentage of all duties performed must equal 100 percent. Duty 1

General Summary: Percentage: 45

Grant Processing - Serve as the recognized resource for MAEAP grant opportunities and development. Individual tasks related to the duty:

• Collaborate with stakeholders and partners in grant development, application, and implementation guidance.

• Function as the MAEAP Grant Subject Matter Expert for diverse stakeholders and partners. • Conduct grant application coordination including but not limited to securing new research grant

opportunities, approved grant awards, and complete reporting of grant requirements.

• Participate in approved grant projects that are politically sensitive and highly complex. This includes coordinating project implementation, studies, and surveys and preparing technical reports, with assistance of stakeholders and partners, as they relate to approved grants or other grant opportunities.

• Compile and analyze grant proposal data (including informational background, budget summary, and linkage to expected environmental performance) in presentation form for partners and ESD staff to consider for approval.

• Focus on targeted areas of the state, which requires additional funding support through grants and cooperative agreements.

• Work independently with ESD grants coordinator to amend existing grants, develop grant subawards, write specific grant conditions and deliverables and develop reporting tools for grant deliverables. This position will also administer and deliver all required grant reports to agencies providing grants to MDARD on behalf of the MAEAP program and division.

• Provide technical information to substantiate or submit recommendations for research grant opportunities related to environmental stewardship for ESD and conservation districts.

• Submit approved grant proposals on behalf of the ESD. Duty 2

Training/Coordination - Serve as the recognized resource for MAEAP by providing training, guidance, and direct support to stakeholders and partners.

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• Evaluate, develop, and implement training resources, as a MAEAP Subject Matter Expert, for technicians based on changing program/district needs. This includes seeking input on training needs from district staff, CPU field staff and MAEAP field staff to develop programming that meets needs in a responsive and timely manner.

• Develop training curriculums in a variety of platforms for distance learning and access. This includes web based meeting platforms such as Teams, Zoom and GoToMeetings, as well as other distance utilized technologies that may be used by partners and collaborators to provide quality learning opportunities for conservation district staff as well as MDARD ESD field staff.

• Coordinate MAEAP Technician specialized and environmental training curriculum targeting core MAEAP training and MSU Extension Agriculture and Agriculture Business Institute Commodity and Environmental Committees.

• Secure presenters, venue, technical equipment, registration process, materials, approved travel/lodging arrangements and document training attendance/records in appropriate database/spreadsheets for record retention purposes with support from MAEAP Administrative Support staff.

• Provide invoice processing support to stakeholders and partners, with the assistance of MDARD staff. • Develop, maintain, and distribute training calendar, agendas, descriptions, training/education promotions

and resources.

• Coordinate with MDARD Office of Communications and MSU Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Communications and Marketing staff to develop relevant agriculture stewardship videos for posting/linking to www.maeap.org.

• Collaborate with MSU ANR Technology Services to provide access to Adobe Connect classroom to provide distance learning options for specialized and environmental training opportunities.

• Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant agriculture and agri-business stakeholders and partners to support MAEAP and ESD environmental mission.

• Monitor MSU Extension outreach activities for relevant bulletins, factsheets, videos, press releases for distribution.

• Monitor MSU Extension News for agriculture postings, training events, and other agriculture stewardship resources for distribution.

• Attend relevant MSU, MDARD, and NRCS staff training and research events to maintain current and consistent content in MAEAP educational materials and assessments.

• Participate in the MAEAP Technical Assistance Leadership Team and the MAEAP staff meetings. • Represent MAEAP on the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Partnership Training

Committee for Summer Conference and the Annual Winter Convention (MAEAP Kick-Off).

• Actively participate in the MAEAP Systems Committees to maintain consistency with Systems’ risk assessments, and serve in leadership positions, as requested.

• Review MAEAP Phase 1 educational meeting agendas for continuing education credits requirements.

• Maintain/update MAEAP Education Records and Outreach System with MAEAP Administrative Support staff assistance.

• Coordinate staff participation and program exhibits booths in statewide events (e.g., Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo) and other appropriate stakeholder/partner events or conferences. • Coordinate and produce articles for semi-annual Michigan Farm News, focusing on MAEAP technical

assistance.

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Duty 3

MAEAP bulletin maintenance, design, and inventory. Individual tasks related to the duty:

• Distribute MAEAP Kick-Off event bulletins, annually. • Store bulletins within the MSU Extension Bookstore.

• Download bulletins, timely, to www.maeap.org and MACD’s technician website.

• Monitor bulletin inventories and distribution through MDARD and the MSU Extension Bookstore, with recommendations for future order size.

• Maintain inventory and design various signs, posters, and emergency related materials, as needed. Duty 4

Contribute to MDARD Operational Excellence efforts to improve strategic alignment and programmatic quantity, quality, and timeliness.

Individual tasks related to the duty:

• Participate in Intentional Conversation biweekly conversations with the Program Manager to discuss workload and programmatic issues.

• Utilize programmatic Standard Operating Procedures and performance metrics for workload coordination and management. Provide recommendations to the direct supervisor on procedural or document

improvements.

• Review programmatic information and data for accuracy and completeness, notifying the direct supervisor of errors and omissions in need of correction.

• Assist the direct supervisor with identification and resolution of issues and situations impeding operational excellence.

• Contribute to programmatic performance metrics reported in the department scorecard and annual reports utilized to support biweekly meetings.

• Utilize document management tools to maintain programmatic information in accordance with Record Retention polices.

• Assist in study of work operations and services and make recommendations for improving efficiency and economy of operations.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

17. Describe the types of decisions that require the supervisor's review.

The Grants and MAEAP Training Liaison organizes and independently prepares grant proposals associated with MAEAP. Additionally, this position identifies, arranges, and designates appropriate staff to provide training for all conservation district MAEAP technicians. If these components are not properly performed, MAEAP technical assistance would be slowed or inappropriately provided, slowing the entire MAEAP verification progress.

Additionally, inaccurate advice given to landowners could result in resource damage, instead of environmental protection.

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Occasionally, transport large boxes or equipment during public speaking events or review of grant related programs. This position will require occasional travel for trainings and meetings.

18. What kind of physical effort is used to perform this job? What environmental conditions in this position physically exposed to on the job? Indicate the amount of time and intensity of each activity and condition. Refer to instructions.

Decisions requiring the supervisor’s approval include arrangements with speakers outside of MDARD experts and associated fees, exceptions to technician training requirements or political or departmental decisions of a

sensitive nature that could impact the program and/or the division.

The supervisor will approve an annual training and resource budget developed by the this position for conservation district technician trainings.

19. List the names and position code descriptions of each classified employee whom this position immediately supervises or oversees on a full-time, on-going basis.

Additional Subordinates

Complete and sign service ratings.

Provide formal written counseling.

Approve leave requests.

Approve time and attendance.

Orally reprimand.

Assign work.

Approve work.

Review work.

Provide guidance on work methods.

Train employees in the work.

N N N N N N N N N N

20. This position's responsibilities for the above-listed employees includes the following (check as many as apply):

26. What are the minimum education and experience qualifications needed to perform the essential functions of this position. ESD is responsible for the administration and delivery of environmental, conservation, natural resource

management and non-point source pollution programs for MDARD. This position is responsible for coordinating the training for technical assistance and grant project solicitation in support of these programs.

25. What is the function of the work area and how does this position fit into that function?

Requesting to reclassify (downgrade) position to a Resource Analyst 12 for recruitment purposes. The Western Lake Erie Basin duties are being removed and are handled by the Manager/Division Director. There is a greater emphasis put on the grants program, but the training and grants remain as the main function. This position is similar in duties as the previous Resource Analyst 12 (RESRALTAB04R).

24. Indicate specifically how the position's duties and responsibilities have changed since the position was last reviewed.

It is essential the grants coordinator be able to develop proposals for new and sometimes complex projects that help meet division goals; coordinate partner contributions and complete reporting requirements; manage multiple tasks at the same time; attend meetings and events; communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to

individuals and groups; develop collaborative relationships; work independently with high standards of performance and accountability; operate a computer and telephone.

To be successful in this position, the following competencies have been identified as essential: Adaptability,

Building Strategic Working Relationships, Decision Making, Developing Others, Formal Presentation, Information Monitoring, Initiating Action, Meeting Participation, Planning and Organizing, and Work Standards.

23. What are the essential functions of this position? Yes.

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N/A

Indicate any exceptions or additions to the statements of employee or supervisors.

NOTE: Civil Service approval does not constitute agreement with or acceptance of the desired qualifications of this position. EDUCATION:

Possession of a bachelor's degree in a physical, biological, or natural resource science, resource management, resource planning, engineering, or a related field.

Resource Analyst 12

Three years of professional experience in the protection, development and maintenance of land, water, or natural resources, including one year equivalent to the experienced (P11) level in state service.

EXPERIENCE:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of agriculture/horticulture practices and environmental risks associated with said practices. Knowledge of animal agriculture practices and environmental risks associated with said practices. Knowledge of sedimentation and nutrient loading of surface water bodies.

Knowledge of soil science, including nutrient requirements for plan development. Knowledge of the methods of compiling and organizing data.

Ability to analyze and evaluate data.

Ability to communicate effectively with others in both written and oral forms.

Ability to maintain records, proof documents and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work. Excellent presentation and speaking skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Michigan Driver's license is preferred.

I certify that the entries on these pages are accurate and complete. LAUREN FELDPAUSCH

Appointing Authority

4/28/2021

Date

I certify that the information presented in this position description provides a complete and accurate depiction of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.

Supervisor Date

I certify that the information presented in this position description provides a complete and accurate depiction of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.

Employee Date

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