MI NRCS Technical Assistance Initiative Soil Conservationist The Michigan Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Clinton Conservation District are seeking an applicant to serve as Soil Conservationist with the St Johns USDA Field Office located in Clinton County, Michigan. This position would support Farm Bill program initiatives with a focus on the Maple River watershed. The ideal candidate has a bachelors degree in natural resources or agriculture-related sciences and a familiarity with Clinton County agricultural practices. The candidate should have a good aptitude for customer service, the ability to multitask and be willing to do site visits on farms and to woodlots. NRCS and conservation districts provide technical support for producers and landowners wanting to do conservation. The Soil Conservationist would provide outreach to residents about available programs and funding, help landowners develop management plans for their lands and assist NRCS and District staff with office support as needed. This position is funded by a three-year grant though NRCS and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation with potential for continued funding, depending on available resources. To apply, provide a cover letter, resume, copy of transcripts (unofficial is okay) and three references. Direct any questions to Clinton Conservation District Executive Director, Kelcie Sweeney, at 989-224-3720 x5 or kelcie.sweeney@macd.org. Please drop off your application packet to the Clinton Conservation District office, 2343 N US 27, St Johns, or email your application materials to Kelcie Sweeney by Friday, October 26 at 4:30pm.
Position Description MI NRCS Technical Assistance Initiative Soil Conservationist INTRODUCTION The Michigan NRCS Technical Assistance Initiative Soil Conservationist position is funded through a three-year grant provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). This grant is held by the Clinton Conservation District and will support federal Farm Bill program implementation in Clinton County focusing on the Maple River watershed. This position is employed by the Clinton Conservation District and work assignments will be provided in partnership with the NRCS District Conservationist. DUTIES 1. Outreach & Education (40-50%) • Provide technical assistance and resources to landowners and producers • Serve as a part of a steering committee to plan meetings, workshops and field days • Engage landowners in conservation through field days, workshops, local meetings and a farmer-led watershed coalition 2. Conservation Planning (35-40%) • Conduct field visits, as necessary, to identify resource concerns and meet with interested landowners and producers • Develop conservation plans to address resource concerns • Implement conservation practices to restore and protect water quality • Assist District Conservationist with contract modifications, payments and other financial transactions 3. Other Duties (10-15%) • Assists in developing news articles, social media posts and web site blogs as needed to promote Farm Bill and District programs • Provide office coverage, as needed, and support District activities and programs, including tree sales, annual meetings and field days • Attend MACD conferences, District board meetings and staff meetings • Prepares reports to comply with grant requirements SKILLS REQUIRED • General knowledge of local agricultural production and conservation practices • Ability to work and communicate effectively with coworkers and the general public • Ability to carry out duties and set work schedule, following up with landowners and producers in a timely manner • Pass a federal background check and hold a valid Michigan driver’s license • Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, survey levels, etc.) safely. This position requires a Bachelor of Science degree in a Natural Resource or Agriculture related field. Experience may be considered in lieu of some requirements. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners and operators to exchange information, provide technical assistance and to implement Farm Bill practices. Some work will be conducted in the field and may require walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment or climbing embankments. Protective gear, such as hard hats, boots and gloves, may be necessary during field visits. This position is a full-time, 40 hour per week grant-funded position. Salary is dependent on experience, $19-22 per hour. Normal work hours are 8am to 4:30pm, although some evenings and Saturday events may be required. Employees are eligible to gain compensatory time, as outlined in the personnel policy, for any hours worked in excess of 40. Benefits include paid holidays, sick leave and vacation according to District policies and access to the District’s deferred compensation plan.
Position Description MI NRCS Technical Assistance Initiative Soil Conservationist INTRODUCTION The Michigan NRCS Technical Assistance Initiative Soil Conservationist position is funded through a three-year grant provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). This grant is held by the Clinton Conservation District and will support federal Farm Bill program implementation in Clinton County focusing on the Maple River watershed. This position is employed by the Clinton Conservation District and work assignments will be provided in partnership with the NRCS District Conservationist. DUTIES 1. Outreach & Education (40-50%) • Provide technical assistance and resources to landowners and producers • Serve as a part of a steering committee to plan meetings, workshops and field days • Engage landowners in conservation through field days, workshops, local meetings and a farmer-led watershed coalition 2. Conservation Planning (35-40%) • Conduct field visits, as necessary, to identify resource concerns and meet with interested landowners and producers • Develop conservation plans to address resource concerns • Implement conservation practices to restore and protect water quality • Assist District Conservationist with contract modifications, payments and other financial transactions 3. Other Duties (10-15%) • Assists in developing news articles, social media posts and web site blogs as needed to promote Farm Bill and District programs • Provide office coverage, as needed, and support District activities and programs, including tree sales, annual meetings and field days • Attend MACD conferences, District board meetings and staff meetings • Prepares reports to comply with grant requirements SKILLS REQUIRED • General knowledge of local agricultural production and conservation practices • Ability to work and communicate effectively with coworkers and the general public • Ability to carry out duties and set work schedule, following up with landowners and producers in a timely manner • Pass a federal background check and hold a valid Michigan driver’s license • Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, survey levels, etc.) safely. This position requires a Bachelor of Science degree in a Natural Resource or Agriculture related field. Experience may be considered in lieu of some requirements. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners and operators to exchange information, provide technical assistance and to implement Farm Bill practices. Some work will be conducted in the field and may require walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment or climbing embankments. Protective gear, such as hard hats, boots and gloves, may be necessary during field visits. This position is a full-time, 40 hour per week grant-funded position. Salary is dependent on experience, $19-22 per hour. Normal work hours are 8am to 4:30pm, although some evenings and Saturday events may be required. Employees are eligible to gain compensatory time, as outlined in the personnel policy, for any hours worked in excess of 40. Benefits include paid holidays, sick leave and vacation according to District policies and access to the District’s deferred compensation plan.
