Agriculture Programs Specialist – Regional Conservation Partnership Program

The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) seeks to fill two Agriculture Program Specialist positions to support the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in the development and implementation of Regional Conservation Partnership Programs (RCPP).  RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural and forest land and aims to leverage a voluntary approach to conservation by expanding the reach of conservation planning and implementation efforts and climate-smart agriculture through public-private partnerships.

The Agriculture Program Specialists will serve throughout Vermont.  The successful candidates’ office location will be in one of Vermont’s USDA NRCS offices, to be discussed during the hiring process.  There will be the opportunity to regularly telework. Qualifications include ability to pass a USDA background investigation; a BA or BS in natural resources, biology, agriculture, soils, science or hydrology or 3 to 10 years of practical experience; capability to build professional relationships and work cooperatively with farmers, peers and partners; knowledge of USDA/NRCS Farm Bill and Financial Assistance (FA) programs; success in program administration including experience overseeing grant and contract documentation; knowledge of NRCS’ tools including Conservation Desktop (CD) and Conservation Assessment and Ranking Tool (CART); familiarity with map development including experience with ArcPro and GIS; and demonstrated capability in developing outreach materials and participating in promotional events and activities.

Starting wage of $26.44-$27.40 per hour, depending upon experience, with a normal work schedule of 40 hours per week.  Benefits include paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave; health benefits; dependent care reimbursement plan: and a 401k-retirement plan.