Conservation Specialist

Position Description
Conservation Specialist

Location: Lenawee County, Adrian, Michigan
Application Deadline: March 4, 2024
Starting Date: TBD

This is a full-time position, funded through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This position is grant funded with the opportunity for annual renewal on October 1.

The Lenawee Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting landowners with the conservation and management of their natural resources.

Position Objective:
The purpose of this grant is to accelerate the voluntary adoption of conservation practices as part of a sustainable system in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) through new and existing approaches, tools, and programs.

The Conservation Specialist provides program outreach and technical assistance to private landowners in order to implement conservation practices funded through the current Farm Bill, the State of Michigan, or any other Federal, State, Local, or private source available to help reduce sediment and nutrient loss in the WLEB.

This position will be required to work collaboratively with MDARD, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), and will be an employee of the Lenawee Conservation District.

Essential Duties:

Assist in planning and implementing of recommended agricultural best management practices (BMPs) as part of a sustainable system within the WLEB

• Proactively seek landowner participation in a sustainable system of resource management in the WLEB
• Work directly with landowners on planning and implementation of a system of practices that will reduce on-farm sediment as well as soluble and particulate nutrient loss from cropland fields, while recognizing value added practices such as carbon sequestration. Practices include:
  • Drainage water management, structures for water control, filter strips, saturated and harvestable buffers, nutrient management planning, addressing phosphorus and nitrogen management (4R’s)
  • Soil erosion practices such as grass waterways, grade stabilization structures, water and sediment control basins
  • Agronomic practices such as cover crops, residue management practices, and conservation rotations
• Develop a working knowledge of available conservation programs and provide support with Conservation Plan development, program applications, and practice implementation as directed by the District Manager
  • Assist with agricultural inventory in high priority 12-digit watersheds identifying residue management, cover crops, and tillage systems
  • Coordinate outreach and education activities
  • Maintain clear, accurate, and up to date records
  • Submit regular quarterly reports as required by MDARD
  • Participate in all required training sessions
  • Attend monthly board meetings when directed by the District Manager and provide a monthly report to the District Board Members
  • Participate in local field days
  • Assist with NRCS programs in accordance with applicable NRCS policy, procedure, and practice standards
  • Assist with additional Lenawee Conservation District programs as necessary: MAEAP, tree sale, and other educational events as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural, environmental, or natural resources discipline is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a natural resources or agricultural fieldwork position is preferred.
• Excellent computer skills
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff/entities
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and terrain
• Ability to lift materials up to 50lbs
• Maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license with a safe driving record
• Have reliable personal vehicle (may be used for work activities when work vehicles are not available. Mileage is compensated)
• Must pass a federal background check

Compensation:

• Starting wage for this position is $20/hour commensurate with education and experience
• Potential for increase annually, dependent upon grant renewal, grant level, and work performance
• Mileage for personal vehicle use is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate
• The District matches retirement contributions at the 3% level
• Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance coverage
• NRCS holiday schedule (paid)
• Paid vacation/sick leave

Working Conditions:

The Conservation Specialist position is supervised by the District Manager of the Lenawee Conservation District.

• Annual completion of a work agreement and annual performance evaluations are required.
• Position is expected to work from the Lenawee Conservation District office in Adrian, MI. Office hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Telework opportunities may be available for a portion of the work week.
• Regular travel to farm locations within Lenawee County, occasional travel to out-of-county locations, and attendance at training events with overnight stays is required.