Part-time Agricultural Technical Assitant

Position Description:

Work involves visiting farmers and informing them about opportunities to participate in USDA cost share programs that address soil conservation and water quality best management practices.  This is a very flexible, part-time position with a maximum of 650-850 paid hours from March 2024 through January 2025 with the possibility of an extension. The pay rate is $18-22 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Speak to landowners about the Conservation Stewardship Program and the financial assistance that is available for a diversity of conservation practices. Make appointments with landowners as needed. May involve considerable travel in Newaygo and Muskegon Counties. You will be trained on how to properly promote key NRCS conservation practices and explain how landowners qualify for and receive financial assistance.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid Michigan Drivers’ license.
• Access to private owned vehicle (candidate will be required to drive their own vehicle and will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate)
• Possess a phone.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with potential clients.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School graduate with two years’ experience with farm related work.
• Associate degree in agriculture or natural resources.
• Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.
• Familiar with farming practices in west central Michigan to include row crop/ fruit crops.
• Familiar with USDA-NRCS conservation practices.