CTAI Conservationist

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE (CTAI)

CONSERVATIONIST POSITION DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

The CTAI Conservationist position provides information and technical assistance to private landowners to implement conservation practices funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. The CTAI Conservationist is employed by the Jackson County Conservation District. The Conservationist will work directly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete their work. This position will be based in the USDA Jackson field office and will serve Jackson and other surrounding counties.

DUTIES

• Conduct field visits to obtain data and other information as necessary for the implementation of NRCS conservation practices such as, but not limited to, pest management, nutrient management, forest management, wildlife habitat management, and tree/shrub establishment.
• Provide on-site technical assistance for the implementation of conservation practices. Follow up with landowners, as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to cooperators in the development of Farm Bill contracts, and the application and maintenance of conservation practices.
• Assist the NRCS District Conservationist with Farm Bill payments, modifications, and any other administrative duties as needed.
• Develop informational presentations or written material for promotion of USDA and Conservation District programs, locally. May conduct field tours and demonstrations to further the adoption of conservation practices.
• Utilize references to complete work, including, but not limited to, USDA NRCS policy and procedure as outlined in Bulletins, Technical Releases, and the Field Office Technical Guide.
• Attend monthly board meetings of the Jackson County Conservation District, interagency groups, and regional and/or community development groups to gain insight into program areas and to observe and develop competence in personal, work relationships, and group meeting techniques.
• Complete, document, and submit required reporting to the Jackson County Conservation District, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and NRCS.
• Complete all required training in a timely manner. This includes becoming a Certified Conservation Planner within 5 years.
• Support the goals and expectations of the Jackson County Conservation District. Provide assistance and activity participate in Jackson County’s culture, under the direction of the District Manager and JCCD Board.
• Work cooperatively with staff members of Jackson County Conservation District.

DESIRED SKILLS

• General knowledge of local agricultural and forestry production to help install conservation practices.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers, partners, and the public.
• Ability to manage a work schedule to provide assistance and follow-up to landowners on a timely basis.
• Knowledge and skill in written and oral communication techniques and public relations sufficient to explain conservation practice specifications for various projects and programs to individual landowners, various agencies, and other conservation partners.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, etc.) in a competent and safe manner.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural, environmental, or natural resources discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.
• The Conservationist must pass a federal background check and hold a valid driver’s license. You must also have a personal vehicle for minimal travel when an NRCS vehicle is not available. You will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate for all mileage accrued using your personal vehicle.
• At this time COVID vaccination is not a requirement, however because this position is funded with federal dollars, vaccination may be a requirement in the future.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners, and partners to exchange information, provide technical assistance services, and for the implementation of conservation practices under the 2018 Farm Bill. Some remote (telework) will be acceptable but most of the office work will be required at the USDA Jackson field office.

This position will be a combination of office (~60%) and field (~40%) work.  The normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Infrequent nights and weekends may occur. Field visits may involve walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment, or climbing steep banks during adverse conditions (weather, bugs, etc.). The position requires average agility and dexterity during field visits. Protective gear and clothing such as hard hat, boots, and gloves may be necessary during field visits.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The CTAI Conservationist is a full time, 40 hour/week grant-funded position. The CTAI grants are issued from MDARD on a Fiscal Year basis (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30). Starting salary will begin at $23/hr. with the possibility for advancement. Benefits include paid holidays and vacation, according to the Jackson County Conservation District’s personnel policy.  Other benefits may include health and dental insurance.

Jackson County Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.