Agricultural Technical Assistant

Major Responsibilities: To promote conservation practices (cover crops, filter strips, riparian buffers, reduced till and no-till etc.) to agricultural producers located predominately in Kent County. Future opportunities to work in other adjacent counties.

Position Description: Work involves visiting with farmers across Kent County and informing them about opportunities to participate in USDA cost-share programs that address soil conservation and water quality best management practices. This is a very flexible, part-time or full-time position with a maximum of several hundred paid hours.

Duties and Responsibilities: Speak to landowners about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the financial assistance that is available for a diversity of conservation practices. Make appointments with landowners as needed; possible going door to door. May involve considerable travel in Kent with your personal vehicle. You will be trained on how to properly promote key NRCS conservation practices and explain how landowners qualify for and receive financial assistance.

Required Qualifications: – High School graduate with two years’ experience with farm-related work. – Valid Michigan Drivers’ license. – Access to a privately owned vehicle (candidate will be required to drive their own vehicle) – Possess a phone. – Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with potential clients.

Preferred Qualifications: – Associate degree in agriculture or natural resources. – Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets. – Familiar with farming practices in west central Michigan to include row crop/ fruit crops. – Familiar with USDA-NRCS conservation practices. – Experience as a farmer.