Conservation Specialist

Conservation Specialist tendersglobal.net Hillsdale County Conservation District tendersglobal.net 588 Olds St Bldg 2, Jonesville 49250

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Conservation Specialist is both an outreach and technical assistance position focused on accelerating the voluntary adoption of conservation practices in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) through new and existing approaches, tools, and programs. Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills and have demonstrated experience building trust and accountability across differences and have a deep understanding of farming and agriculture.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The Conservation Specialist will work with farmer program staff to conduct direct outreach to farmers and producers in the WLEB in particular and Hillsdale County in general. The Conservation Specialist will connect landowners to all of the conservation program options available in Hillsdale County including: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill Programs, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) programs and other local programs. The Conservation Specialist will understand the eligibility requirements, benefits and processes for all programs and be able to recommend programs to producers based on their individual resource concerns.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promote conservation programs and practices in the farming community and assist with sign-up for various technical and cost-share programs.
• Utilize mapping tools to identify areas to focus efforts to farms and fields with the highest priority for conservation implementation.
• Develop outreach strategy for high priority areas to increase interest in conservation programs.
• Develop relationships with key constituencies in the farming community around conservation implementation.
• Conduct field visits and on-farm assessments as part of the conservation planning process. Identify specific problems and provide solutions to landowners to address resource concerns, specifically focusing efforts on the reduction of sediment and nutrient delivery to surface water.
• Offer technical assistance to farmers by recommending practices and programs to address resource concerns, connect farmers to Technicians for program applications and implementation assistance.
• Stay up-to-date with program rules and regulations concerning administration of applications and contracting procedures for Farm Bill and State conservation programs.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of producer interactions in CRM software.
• Assist with planning and facilitation of farmer-focused educational events.
• Participate in technical assistance training provided by MDARD and NRCS as required.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with District programs such as participating in the annual meeting, providing content for the monthly newsletter, complete monthly accomplishments report for board, address resident inquiries related to technical assistance, and other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Board of Directors, or District Manager.
• Develop monthly and annual work plans in consultation with the District Manager.
• Manage farm equipment rental schedule.
• (Optional, preferred) Ability to do basic maintenance on the District’s rental farm equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture, natural resources is preferred but not required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in agriculture, ideally row crops such as corn and soybeans.
• Preferred candidates will have strong advocacy or sales skills. A successful candidate will be proficient at cold calling and promoting conservation to unsolicited landowners and operators.

ABILITIES:

• Exceptional social and interpersonal skills.
• Can work cooperatively with district personnel and other agencies.
• Excellent computer skills are required. Computer workstation will be provided, including a standard PC, on a shared network with Windows-based software.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills.
• Self-motivated and driven to achieve results.
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift 30 pounds.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license as regular travel to farm locations around the county is required.
• Flexible availability for evenings and weekends outside of regular business hours to attend community meetings and events.
• Must be able to pass a background security check.

SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK HOURS, LOCATION

This position will be based in Jonesville, Michigan. This location is in Southern Michigan where there is a diverse variety of agriculture for the region, including row crops, diversified vegetable production, dairy, and livestock. Work time will be generally split between the main Hillsdale Conservation District office and field work. This is a full-time, hourly position for 40 hours per week, which includes benefits (paid federal holidays, vacation and sick leave. Also, company cellphone.) Pay is commensurate with experience and ranges from $17.00-$21.00.

Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Evening and weekend work will be required when necessary.

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver’s License (required)