MAEAP Technician

 POSITION SUMMARY

The Lenawee Conservation District (LCD) is seeking to hire a full-time (40 hours/week) MAEAP Technician.  This position serves Lenawee County and is housed in the USDA’s Adrian, MI Service Center. The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a non-profit, voluntary program that helps farms of all sizes and commodities reduce their environmental risks. MAEAP technicians help producers achieve their goals to protect Michigan’s environment for generations to come. The MAEAP Technician is responsible for delivering on-farm technical assistance including conducting farm-specific risk assessments; coordinating local, state, and federal agency resources to help farmers reduce environmental risks, and assisting farmers in making progress toward MAEAP verification. The ideal candidate will have experience with agriculture and agricultural professionals and familiarity with best practices. The MAEAP Technician is also responsible for collaborating with Conservation District staff to promote MAEAP and educate diverse audiences on the importance of sustainable agriculture in Lenawee County.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Deliver on-farm technical assistance using risk assessments, education, and conservation plans to implement best practices, develop Improvement Action Plans, and suggest cost share to assist in adoption of low-risk practices.
• Enter program data into the MAEAP database in a timely manner. This data includes Tier I information, leads, field visits, technical assistance, and events.
• Schedule and collect water samples, as assigned by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Standard operating procedures must be followed and proper use of required equipment is expected.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to help reduce identified environmental risks and help landowners make progress toward MAEAP verification, and re-verifications.
• Provide assistance, as appropriate, to individuals with verified Right to Farm complaints.
• Work closely with local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) staff to understand and help implement processes available to landowners through Farm Bill programs.
• Collaborate and support LCD programs and activities to promote programs, events, and meetings as necessary to reinforce the importance of sustainable agriculture.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environment, or natural resources related program from an accredited college or university is required. Relevant experience working in on-farm crop or livestock production may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree
• Two or more years of work experience in an agricultural, environmental, or natural resources related field is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and agricultural practices is preferred.
• Experience collaborating, developing, and delivering agriculture education programs to a variety of audiences in diverse settings is very beneficial.
• 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 $21/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