Conservation Specialist

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 and field offices located in Northeast and Southeast Wisconsin.

The incumbent will be an employee 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 NRCS Area GIS Specialists and other Area Staff Specialists in developing and carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program that is tailored to customers’ needs and meets USDA, NRCS, and GLRI requirements.

The funding for this position is provided through a cooperative agreement for an approximate four-year term.

Duties:
Provides technical assistance to NRCS Field Office District Conservationists and Soil Conservationists, 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.

This position primarily utilizes NRCS computer software such as Conservation Desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, ProTracts, ArcMap, ArcPro, and RUSLE2 for the development and management of conservation plans and technical assistance.

Works with farmers to develop conservation plans and maps addressing natural resource concerns on farmland, pasture, forestland, and wildlife land; provides information concerning Farm Bill conservation programs; assists with application assessments and rankings; and develops conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual.

Performs on-site inventory and evaluations; checks application feasibility, recommends and conducts necessary preliminary surveys; prepares designs, and provides recommendations for feasible practices to solve resource concerns.

Recommends conservation practices to farmers and land managers to help improve operations, reduce cost of production, and conserve our soil and water natural resources.

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.

Performs annual compliance review checks.

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.

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 spatial data organization and 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 utilizing ARCGIS for conservation planning.

Compensation:
Salary
– $20.73/hr.

to $25.50/hr.
Fringe Benefits: Employee medical coverage
Leave Benefits: Holidays, vacation time, and sick leave

Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references

Application Deadline: January 10, 2022

For Questions About This Position or Application Process: contact Kari Divine at (920) 465-3006

Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2022 or TBD

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.73
– $25.50 per hour

Benefits:
Health insurance
Paid time off
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Education:
Associate (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple Locations