By Chris Grimsley, PACD Instructional Designer

I am a former teacher transitioning from a career in secondary and higher education into instructional design. I have served in many roles as an educator, including working as a classroom teacher, student support specialist, course designer, and researcher. I hold a B.S. in sociology, an M.A. in teaching, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. I completed my doctoral dissertation on the history and philosophy of science, focusing primarily on the social implications of new technologies like artificial intelligence.

In my capacity as an academic, I focused on communicating issues of philosophical significance within the sciences to both technical and non-technical audiences. I want to leverage my experience in education and science communication as I pivot to instructional design with a focus on conservation at PACD. My main responsibility is the Clean Water Academy. 

I enjoy camping and hiking, photography, motorcycling, computer programming, and playing guitar in my spare time.

I can be reached at cgrimsley@pacd.org.

Thanks to the conservation districts for submitting their 2022 highlights pages. The pages will be sent to all PA General Assembly members in early January.  

Click here to see what other districts have accomplished this year! 

The PACD instructional designer is responsible for developing self-guided eLearning hosted on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Learning Management System, the Clean Water Academy. Technical training on Erosion and Sediment Control and Dam Safety and Waterway Management is provided through the Clean Water Academy. This is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the Executive Director in the Harrisburg office.

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to the PACD via email with the subject heading “Instructional Designer” to jobs@pacd.org. The deadline to apply is November 11, 2022.

Click here for the full announcement. 

PACD recently hired Brittany Moore as a Conservation Technician in the Lebanon, PA Technical Center. Brittany graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biology and Animal Science. Brittany has a background in agricultural research and GIS and was the previous Agricultural Program Coordinator at the Schuylkill County Conservation District. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys kayaking, running, and hiking with her dog, Eleanor.

Brittany can be reached at bmoore@pacd.org.

The PACD Engineering Assistance Program, funded through the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides statewide engineering and soils technical assistance to entities developing or implementing a watershed assessment, watershed restoration plan, or watershed protection plan. Program staff are based out of four regional offices covering all Pennsylvania river basins.

Brian Cooper was recently hired as PACD’s Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant. Brian resides with his wife Susan in Lower Paxton Township, Harrisburg. He enjoys hunting, golfing, and spending time with his family. He served in the US Army and has retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. His email address is bcooper@pacd.org.

PACD’s new Conservation Technician in the Bloomsburg office is Kyle Pierce. Kyle graduated from Lycoming College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics and a minor in Mathematics. He previously worked as a construction laborer for Don E. Bower Inc. Kyle resides in Berwick, PA, with his fiancé Kiersten and their dog, Ashtyn.

Position Title:  Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant

Number of Positions Available:  1

Salary Range:  $20-22/hour

Location:  5925 Stevenson Ave., Suite A, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Duties:

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) supports Pennsylvania’s conservation districts so they can conserve natural resources for our future. The PACD Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant is responsible for bookkeeping and clerical duties and provides general program support for the office. This is a part-time position reporting to the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A qualified candidate should have the following:

• Working knowledge of bookkeeping using QuickBooks, including entering payroll and reconciling accounts.
• Ability to play a critical role in the office’s day-to-day operation, including answering phones, processing mail, and ordering supplies.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to assist with a variety of programs on an on-going basis.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite.

Education:

Applicant must, at a minimum, have completed high school.

Work Schedule:

This position is part-time, 20-25 hours per week. Hours are somewhat flexible. Occasional travel is required.

Benefits:

Benefits include a 401k retirement plan, nine paid holidays, and accrued PTO leave. Relocation expenses will not be provided.

How to Apply:

Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to PACD:

Please apply by e-mail with the subject heading “Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant” to jobs@pacd.org.

Deadline for Application: 

All application materials must be received by 4:30 pm EDT on August 19, 2022.

 

On July 20-21, 2022, PACD and the State Conservation Commission (SCC) held the first in-person, joint conference since 2019. There were over 90 participants. During the meeting, the following business took place:

– The three-year proposed dues schedule passed.

– The following slate of officers was re-elected:

• President – Kelly Stagen, Pike County Conservation District
• 1st Vice President, Dennis Beck, Cambria County Conservation District
• 2nd Vice President, Emil Bove, Westmoreland Conservation District
• Secretary, Charles Duritsa, Westmoreland Conservation District
• Treasurer, Sonia Wasco, Lancaster County Conservation District
• NACD Director, Clifford Lane, McKean County Conservation District

– The budget for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 was approved.

PACD award recipients and PA Poster Contest Winners were announced during the meeting, and board and partner reports were given.

 

Pennsylvania’s County Conservation Districts thank the Pennsylvania legislature for supporting conservation districts in the state budget.

Pennsylvania Conservation Districts assist landowners through technical assistance, permit reviews, site inspections, and education in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. The goal of conservation districts is to protect our natural resources, keep food on tables, and ensure public safety. 

Through the efforts of the PA General Assembly, the “Transfer to the Conservation District” lines in the 2022-2023 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture budgets were collectively increased by $6.8 million. 

“The conservation districts play an important role in protecting the Commonwealth’s resources. By including an increase in the state budget for conservation districts, the

Pennsylvania General Assembly is investing in the conservation district mission of clean water and healthy soil for all Pennsylvanians,” said Brenda Shambaugh, PACD Executive Director.

As a result of the legislator’s actions, conservation districts will continue to review permits, assist farmers, assist municipalities in preparing to fix low-volume roads and dirt and gravel roads throughout the state and help control mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.