Soil Conservationist Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development (Glacierland RC&D)
Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details : $20.793/hr. to $25.50/hr. Fringe Benefits: Medical Insurance Leave Benefits: Holidays, vacation time, and sick leave
Deadline: Jan 10, 2022
Purpose & Role:
Work in a joint capacity with Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development (Glacierland RC&D) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. The position will be based in the NRCS Area Office in Appleton, Wisconsin and will provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers located in Northeast Wisconsin. The incumbents will be employees of Glacierland RC&D and will receive daily guidance from local NRCS staff.
This position is responsible for a variety of duties which assists 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 an approximate four-year term.
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 to develop conventional conservation plans addressing natural resource concerns; provides information concerning Farm Bill conservation programs; and develops conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual. Performs on-site inventory and evaluations; recommends and assists in conducing 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.
- Utilizes NRCS computer software such as Conservation Desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, ProTracts and ArcMap 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.
- Assist with administrative office duties including filing, copying, mailing, payment processing, and record keeping.
- Perform 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 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:
Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in natural resource management, soil conservation, or related agricultural field. Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in conservation planning.
