Glacierland RC&D, Inc.
Location
Plymouth, WI | United States
Job description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Position Title: Natural Resource Conservation Technician
Purpose & Role:
Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development (Glacierland RC&D) is seeking a Soil Conservation Technician/Natural Resource Specialist to work in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to collaborate with NRCS Field, Area, and State Office staff, along with partnering units of government and organizations, to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. The incumbent will be an employee of Glacierland RC&D and will receive daily guidance from local NRCS staff.
This position will be based in the USDA/NRCS Office in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Limited telework flexibilities are afforded to this position based on experience and work duty requirements.
The NRCS agency is responsible for technical and financial assistance to landowners and operators for implementation of soil and water conservation practices and will provide conservation technical assistance to landowners, groups, and units of government.
This position will be responsible for a variety of duties which includes assisting NRCS District Conservationists and Area Staff Specialists in developing and carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program that is tailored to customers' needs and meets USDA and NRCS requirements.
The funding for this position is provided through a cooperative agreement for approximately a two-year term. Position duration may extend beyond 2 years, dependent upon funding availability.
Duties:
Provides technical assistance to private landowners (i.e. individual farmers), local government bodies, tribal entities, state and Federal agencies, and the general public in the development, application, and maintenance of a coordinated natural resources conservation program.
Works with farmers and other landowners to develop conventional conservation plans addressing natural resource concerns; provides information concerning Farm Bill conservation programs; and assist in the development of conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual. Performs on-site inventory and evaluations; recommends and assists in conducting necessary preliminary surveys; and provides recommendations for feasible practices to solve resource concerns. Recommends conservation practices to farmers which help control erosion and conserve soil and water.
Checks application feasibility and makes preliminary engineering surveys gathering design data for structures requiring engineering application. Records field notes and prepares designs based on standard designs for review and approval by others.
Oversees conservation practice construction and implementation in the field. Checks completed practices to determine that standards and specifications are met and recommends acceptability of completed practices for final certification. Advises landowner/operator to complete proper maintenance.
Utilizes NRCS computer software such as Civil 3D, Conservation Desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, ProTracts and ArcGIS for the development and management of conservation plans and technical assistance.
Performs informational duties such as writing stories and news articles, giving talks at meetings; participating in conservation demonstrations; conducting conservation field tours; staffing NRCS and Glacierland RC&D displays at various outreach events, and conducting outreach and attending meetings as a Glacierland RC&D representative.
Coordinates closely with partners working on demonstration (demo) farm networks including demo farm project managers, NRCS demo farm coordinators and county land and water department staff.
Assists with administrative office duties including filing, copying, mailing, payment processing, and record keeping.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with agricultural producers with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property.
Knowledge of soil conservation, agronomy, natural resource conservation, and ability to utilize planning tools in the development of conservation plans.
Experience with the use of ArcMap/ArcPro for conservation planning.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and with diverse clientele.
Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners.
Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work outdoors and traverse variable landscapes in all weather conditions.
Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Occasional travel required.
Education Requirement:
Associate or bachelor’s degree in soil conservation or in related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, or land management.
Experience Preference:
Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in conservation planning.
Compensation:
Salary - $22.10/hr. to $30.04/hr. Starting wage will be at the base rate of $22.10 with an associate degree, with an increase for each year of equivalent work experience and/or a bachelors degree.
Fringe Benefits: Medical benefits.
Leave Benefits: Holidays, vacation time, and sick time.
Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and college transcripts.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Submit Application Package as pdf file(s) to: [email protected]
For Questions About This Position or Application Process: contact Kari Divine at (920) 465-3006 or [email protected].
Anticipated Start Date: May 6, 2024 or sooner
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.10 - $30.04 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to Relocate:
Work Location: In person
Job tags
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