Conservation Coordinator, Kankakee County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Kankakee County Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking a full-time Conservation Coordinator. The candidate must have an associates or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, or a related field, with experience in production agriculture preferred. The Conservation Coordinator will work directly with landowners, producers, local organizations, and the community to promote and facilitate conservation programs, costshare, events, and more. This position requires a combination of office and field work. Remote work possibilities exist.
The position is based on a 40-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend meetings, trainings, and special events. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. The candidate will be required to pass a federal background check, and a valid driver’s license is required. Annual salary based on experience, with benefits provided.
Basic Skills
Candidate must have the ability to communicate across all levels, possess strong organizational skills, self-motivation, willingness to accept responsibility, ability to take constructive criticism, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Candidate must have great interpersonal skills and the confidence needed to advocate and facilitate conservation practices and programs with local organizations, landowners, and producers. Computer skills are required, and it is preferred that the candidate have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). On-the job training will be provided, as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Kankakee County SWCD Conservation Coordinator’s primary responsibilities will include:
• Complete Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Conservation Planner training program.
• Provide technical and administrative assistance for NRCS conservation programs.
• Promote and administer federal, state, and local conservation programs, working directly with local landowners, farmers, and organizations.
• Facilitate IDOA Partners for Conservation cost-share program to implement local conservation practices.
• Plan and implement ag-related workshops, field days, webinars, and other events for farmers and landowners.
• Develop, organize, and promote adult and youth educational events.
• Prepare detailed Natural Resource Information (NRI) reports using GIS software.
• Work with Kankakee County SWCD Resource Conservationist to complete daily, quarterly, and annual office tasks such as state reporting, budgeting, District sales, and more.
• Assist District Grant Writer with implementation and management of agriculture outreach grants.
• Maintain District website, social media, and e-newsletters.
• Attend monthly Board Meetings and present Board of Directors with important District updates.
All interested candidates are asked to send a cover letter and resume with references to the Kankakee County Soil & Water Conservation District office (address below) or email Crystal Sauder, Resource Conservationist, at Crystal.Sauder@kankakeecountyswcd.org by Friday, November 19, 2021.
