ABOUT THE FIELD STAFF
Shawn D. Smith, CPESC
District Manager | MDA
shawn.smith@maryland.gov
443-746-4308
Following an internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in high school, Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2006. While in college he studied soil morphology & genesis with the intention of becoming a professional soil scientist. He also interned during his senior year in college with the USDA-NRCS. Upon graduation he began working for the Talbot SCD as a grant conservation planner, where in 2008 he accepted a state position with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). In 2015, Shawn was selected as MDA’s Employee of the Year. He held a planner position for over 12 years before being promoted to District Manager. The district manager is tasked to supervise state and district employees and to carry out the policies and priorities of the Talbot SCD Board of Supervisors. Shawn is married with three kids and resides in Trappe.
JACK KING
District Conservationist | NRCS
jack.king@usda.gov
443-746-4311
Jack is a long term employee with NRCS and as District Conservationist he supervises the NRCS staffs in both Caroline and Talbot Counties. Jack’s responsibility also includes overseeing the conservation activities of the entire district ensuring all conservation practices are installed to meet the standards set by NRCS. Jack brings a background of 35 years of farming, producing milk and breed stock in the Holstein Breed and Red and White Dairy Cattle Association. Upon graduation from high school Jack attended the University of Maryland earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science. Later in life he attended Salisbury University working on a Masters Degree in Social Science. Jacks interest lay in promoting 4H for youth and serves on the Board of the Maryland 4H Foundation.
LEVIN H. SCHWANINGER JR.
Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist III
443-746-4315
After a 25 year career as a dairy farmer ended in June 1998, Levin accepted a position as a County Technician at the Dorchester Soil Conservation District. He held that position until December 15, 1999 when he accepted a position with the Maryland Dept. of Agriculture as a Soil Conservation Technician in Dorchester. Three weeks into January 2000 he applied and received a Soil Conservation Planner position at the Talbot Soil Conservation District and continues to serve in this capacity. Levin and his wife live in Trappe.