Position Description and Application Information
Scope of Position
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking a Land Conservation Specialist to actively provide agricultural conservation assistance to USDA-NRCS in a multi-county region. The primary purposes of the position will be to provide conservation planning, outreach, and mid-contract management assistance to agricultural producers in order to leverage Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) opportunities to achieve wildlife and water quality goals.
Key Measurable Expectations
The Land Conservation Specialist will be expected to provide conservation assistance to agricultural and private landowners. This specialist 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 focuses 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. Land conservation specialists may also assist with annual Wetland Reserve Program/Wetland Reserve Easement (WRP/WRE) monitoring and administration as needed.
This position is one of several positions of the private lands conservation hub coordinated by the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center. Additional professional development through field training, professional conferences and workshops, and online courses is a priority for this position.
The Land Conservation Specialist program currently has multiple positions open that are located all over the state of IL. The Land Conservation Specialist will work within a multi-county region and most positions will be designated 100% remote with opportunities to “touch down” work within NRCS office space (i.e. temporary desk space and conference rooms). NRCS vehicle use to conduct fieldwork and site visits is allowable and personal vehicle mileage is reimbursed at 0.655 cents/mile rate if NRCS vehicles are unavailable.
Work hours are 37.5 hours per week, M-F. Job includes both office and fieldwork. Mandatory drug test and security background check, with fingerprinting, will be required of the selected applicant. This position will be a grant position, which may be extended if funding is available.
Duties
- Working with NRCS staff to develop conservation plans consistent with the landowner’s objectives on new CRP establishments.
- Actively new targeting CRP conservation with landowner outreach and one-on-one consultation.
- Providing 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.
- Writing wildlife and burn plans for CRP contracts.
- Facilitating positive working relationships with local agency staff, agricultural producers, and other stakeholder groups.
- Understanding and providing 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.
- Developing field-specific project plans and cost estimates.
- Assisting NRCS with administrative, outreach, and CRP/WRE monitoring needs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate’s Degree
- Strong interest in and knowledge of biology, ecology, botany, forestry, restoration, and management of wildlife and their habitat requirements and habitat management techniques.
- Familiarity with wildlife management and forest management practices for habitat restoration.
- Familiarity with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS Suite.
- Effective organizational, written, and verbal skills.
- The 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 a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.
- Field work may be taxing. Land Conservation Specialists will need to be strong hikers and comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete fieldwork efficiently.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resources field, with a concentration in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, botany, or related field.
- A background in agriculture and/or working knowledge of agriculture.
- Working knowledge of the Conservation Reserve Program and/or other Farm Bill conservation programs.
- Experience working with private landowners and agricultural producers.
Physical Demands
Additional items (identify) - Must be comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete fieldwork efficiently as well as maintain general office work.
