MD.360.8.4, PER - Proficiency Models for Soil Conservationists and Soil Conservation Technicians

Maryland Bulletin: 360-8-4
Subject: PER - Proficiency Models for Soil Conservationists and Soil Conservation Technicians
Date: February 19, 2008

Action Required By: March 31, 2008

Purpose. To provide templates for employee skills assessments and minimum job approval guidelines for Soil Conservationist (GS-457-7/9/11/12) and Soil Conservation Technician (GS-458-7/8/9) series.

Expiration Date. September 30, 2008.

Background. Today, more than ever, it is important that employees have the necessary training and skills to perform their jobs. Proficiency models provide a baseline and help ensure consistency of employee skills across the state. As part of the employee development process, supervisors are responsible for preparing and updating an Employee Development Plan (EDP) with each employee and reviewing it with the employee at least semi-annually during formal performance reviews. Training needs are identified based on position, grade, current job duties and needed skills, and must be documented in the EDP.

Explanation. Attached are proficiency models for employees and supervisors to use in assessing the skill levels needed for performing key tasks of the employee’s position, and guidelines for the minimum job approval levels for engineering practices. These templates were developed so that employees and supervisors understand the minimum job performance expectations for a specific series and grade level, and will be able to identify training needs and schedule the necessary on-the-job training and/or formal training as appropriate. Ultimately, employee proficiency and job performance will be reflected in the employee’s annual performance appraisal.

District Conservationists should review these templates and make adjustments as appropriate for their county. In general, we would expect that the tasks and proficiency levels for employees in a specific series and grade level (e.g., GS-457-9) should be similar across the state. We would expect regional adjustments for minimum job approval levels based on whether or not a practice is frequently used in an area. For example, we would not expect a technician who works on the Lower Shore to have the same job approval level for grassed waterways as a technician on the Western Shore.

Contact. If you have questions about these templates, please contact Anne Lynn, Allan Stahl, or an appropriate technical specialist.

JON F. HALL
State Conservationist

Attachment

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