Agricultural Technician

The Agricultural Technician assists landowners, farmers, and producers with soil & water conservation and agricultural performance practices, programs, and activities in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Counties. Provides nutrient management farmer education; develops nutrient management plans; develops and administers cost-share agreements and payments; coordinates the No-Till Drill Planter; Hosts Farm Field Days; develops quarterly grant reports; coordinates Farmer Appreciation Events; implements farm compliance reviews; and coordinates the Farmland Preservation Program.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide education on Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) and NR 151 Agricultural Performance Standards; assist farmers in updating NMPs, coordinate annual NMP classes, remain current with Snap Plus program, and submit annual NMP checklists to Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
• Administer the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) and expansion of Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEA). Prepare farm conservation plans and monitor participant compliance.
• Develop & review NM Plans and Farmland Preservation Agreements.
• Administer annual cost-share funding, develop cost-share agreements, and seek state reimbursement.
• Conduct on-farm conservation performance reviews for NM and FPP requirements. Document and report farm status reviews to DATCP. Work to achieve voluntary compliance of standards. Coordinate technical and financial assistance for erosion control and water quality practices.
• Review signed agreements and cost-share contracts for Nutrient Management and Farmland Preservation Program and conduct follow-up visits for quality assurance.
• Post and maintain the 4-County Agriculture Facebook Page.
• Review submitted ordinance-related permit requests.
• Promote Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), etc.
• Assist County Conservationist with expense and time tracking, reporting, and reimbursement for the National Association of Conservation District Technical Assistance grant.
• Maintain producer files.
• Develop, or coordinate with GIS department, maps to identify program implementation.
• Assist with maintenance of the department’s 3 vehicles.
• Assist with surveying, as-built, and inspection of conservation projects as necessary.
• Provide Nutrient Management, Farmland Preservation, and No-Till Planter brochures, posters, press articles, web information, social media, etc.
• Coordinate rental of the department’s TRAUX no-till seed planter across the 4-county area; conduct repairs and maintenance of the machine, and coordinate winter storage.
• Attend professional development training annually related to agricultural conservation to improve skills, remain current with standards, and increase knowledge.
• Participate in staff meetings, Land Conservation Committee meetings, and work planning.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and perform work duties as required.
• Host annual Farm Field Days and Farmer Appreciation events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources, agronomy, or agriculture, conservation, or closely related major; or an associate’s degree in a natural resources field, and a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in agronomy or natural resources, and a minimum of 1 year of budget experience. Must possess a valid state driver’s license and a clean driving record, and be accountable for the safe use of a county vehicle.