Conservation Technician

Opening Date: January 20, 2026
Title: Conservation Technician
Location: Ottawa Conservation District, 16731 Ferris St, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Position Details: This is a full-time, grant-funded position with benefits, with the intention for annual grant renewal.
Start Date: March 2026
Compensation: $22-25/hour, based on qualifications
Benefits: Health care coverage for up to $5,000 per fiscal year (as budgeted in the grant), 5% gross pay retirement stipend, paid federal holidays, paid annual and sick leave
Closing Date: Feb 13th, 2026, 5:30 PM

What We Offer

The Ottawa Conservation District (OCD) provides an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. We trust our employees and encourage them to take ownership of their programs, to think and work creatively, and facilitate professional development for an ever-evolving set of skills and qualifications. The OCD takes pride in our culture of collaboration, respect, inclusion, and work-life balance, which culminates in team members who feel supported and empowered to grow. We offer a place where Monday’s will not be your least favorite day of the week!

Position Description:

The Conservation Technician furthers the mission of OCD through the administration of MAEAP and RAP. The Conservation Technician is responsible for delivering on-farm technical assistance in Ottawa County, MI. This includes conducting farm-specific risk assessments; coordinating local, state, and federal agency resources to help farmers reduce environmental risks; providing soil tests and developing soil health management plans; assisting farmers in achieving MAEAP verification; and promoting regenerative agriculture management goals. The Conservation Technician also collaborates with OCD staff to promote MAEAP and RAP and educate diverse audiences on the importance of soil health assessments and improvement in Ottawa County.

 Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of two years of experience in agriculture or natural resource fieldwork.
• Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers.
• Experience in collaborating on, developing, and delivering agricultural education programs to diverse audiences.
• Experience building partnerships with various stakeholders.

Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills .
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to relate effectively to diverse clientele and work groups.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and as part of a team.
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varied conditions and terrains.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient use of PC and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of GIS applications

Duties:

• Coordinate all aspects of MAEAP, CTAP and RAP in Ottawa County (and occasionally surrounding counties), ensuring familiarity with and adherence to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grant agreements and guidelines for conducting the programs at the local level.
• Conduct MAEAP risk assessments on Ottawa County farms, greenhouses, and forests as requested by landowners and land managers.
• Assist farmers with soil health assessment and the development of soil health management plans.
• Work with landowners and managers to develop conservation plans,to address environmental risks identified during assessments.
• Maintain accurate records and an organized filing system.
• Promote MAEAP, RAP, Clean Sweep, pesticide container recycling, equipment calibration, and other stewardship practices through presentations, displays at OCD and partner events, and communications via social media, print, and other methods.
• Coordinating and planning outreach events and workshops.
• Assist landowners in developing emergency management plans for their farms.
• Support landowners with verified Right to Farm complaints in bringing them into conformance with Michigan’s Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs).
• Work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA–NRCS) to provide technical assistance to producers accessing Farm Bill cost-share funds.
• Provide monthly reports and updates to MDARD and the OCD Board of Directors.
• Attend relevant training sessions and events to stay informed about current issues in agriculture and natural resources.
• Organize and host an annual CTAP Advisory meeting to discuss accomplishments, identify needs, and set goals for the upcoming year.