Position Website and Application Information
The Regional Manager’s primary role, with support provided by NRCS, is to be a lead in training and logistical support for junior and/or newly hired Land Conservation Specialists. The Regional Manager position will provide boots-on-the ground leadership support to the growing Land Conservation Specialist program and manage, train, serve as search committee chairs, and supervise up to three to six new LCSs. These positions will also provide leadership and management within the land conservation specialist program and help improve on going professional development for staff. This position will manage new LCSs to ensure they have resources and training they need to be successful. This role may also assist the Conservation Program Manager with administrative duties such as, but not limited to, assisting with NRCS quarterly programmatic reports, on boarding new LCSs, attending NRCS technical steering committee meetings, attending pertinent NRCS meetings, and LCS general coordination and other managerial tasks. Helping the Conservation Program Manager build and coordinate applied research framework within NRSC programs will also be responsibility of this position.
The Regional Manager will be able to work in a touch-down capacity at an NRCS office and also be given the flexibility to work remotely within the coverage area of the LCSs they manage at the discretion of the Conservation Program Manager.
Outside of management and training responsibilities, the Regional Manager will be expected to provide conservation assistance to agricultural and private landowners in their local areas, which they will need to balance with their primary managing/training roles. The Regional Manager will be a technical expert on all aspects of the Conservation Reserve Program, filling key needs to secure and improve conservation acres on the ground. Primary foci will include data collection and consultation with agricultural producers about conservation plans for new CRP establishments, compiling CRP conservation options for prospective landowners, and providing technical information to landowners about mid-contract management practices necessary to maintain high quality restorations throughout the duration of their CRP contracts. They will also assist with annual Wetland Reserve Program/Wetland Reserve Easement (WRP/WRE) monitoring and administration as needed.
Work hours are 37.5 hours per week, M-F. Job includes both office and field work. Mandatory drug test and security background check, with fingerprinting, will be required of the selected applicant. Security background check and fingerprinting are required in addition to College pre-employment requirements in order to comply with federal security requirements through the USDA associated with responsibilities of this position. Use of the NRCS vehicles is allowable and reimbursement of mileage when using personal vehicles to conduct work is paid at the IRS standard mileage rate.
- Supervise and onboard new LCS through working with appropriate L&C and NRCS administrative personnel (three to six positions).
- Supervise and train new LCS in CRP and WRE and related responsibilities including NRCS field visits associated paper and computer work.
- Review and oversee selected budgetary items related to the LCS program and assist the Conservation Program Manager on budgets as needed. Serve on and chair search committees for LCSs hires in coordination with manager and NRCS.
- Work with NRCS staff to develop conservation plans consistent with the landowner’s objectives on new CRP establishments.
- Actively target new CRP conservation with landowner outreach and one-on-one consultation.
- Provide information and outreach to agricultural producers about CRP mid-contract management practices, such as prescribed fire, strip disking, strip spraying, interseeding, and timber stand improvement.
- Write wildlife and burn plans for CRP contracts.
- Facilitate positive working relationships with local agency staff, agricultural producers, and other stakeholder groups.
- Understand and provide information to landowners about the suite of state and federal conservation programs for the purposes of implementing conservation practices and BMPs for watershed, soil, and wildlife goals.
- Develop field specific project plans and cost estimates.
- Assist NRCS with administrative, outreach, and CRP/WRE monitoring needs.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate’s Degree in a natural resources field such as environmental science, restoration ecology, forestry or similar field, plus 1-2 years of similar work experience in the conservation field.
- Attained Level 1 (Apprentice) NRCS Conservation Planning Certification or completed within 6 months of employment and provided to L&C Human Resources
- Strong interest in and knowledge of biology, ecology and management of wildlife and their habitat requirements and habitat management techniques are essential.
- Proficient experience with wildlife management, Rx burn experience and burn plan writing, shallow water wetland management, and forest management practices for habitat restoration.
- Proficient experience with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite and especially ArcGIS Suite.
- Effective organizational, written, and verbal skills.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e. NRCS, FSA, IDNR, NGOs, SWCDs, etc.), as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload.
- Possession of valid driver’s license, and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times for required travel of position.
