Soil Conservation Technician
Work in a joint capacity with Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. (Glacierland RC&D) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. The position will be based in the NRCS Service Center in Janesville or Elkhorn, Wisconsin (TBD), and will provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers located in Southeast Wisconsin. The incumbent will be an employee of Glacierland RC&D and will receive daily guidance from local NRCS staff.
This position is responsible for a variety of duties which assists NRCS District Conservationists and Area Staff Specialists in developing and carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program that is tailored to customers' needs and meets USDA and NRCS requirements.
The funding for this position is provided through a cooperative agreement for a five-year term.
Duties:
Gathers preliminary resource inventory data and information on the physical features of agricultural and other natural resource sites. Provides technical support to the conservation planners in resource planning by utilizing applicable survey tools and planning software and assisting with data collection. Checks application feasibility and makes preliminary engineering surveys gathering design data for structures requiring engineering application. Records field notes and prepares designs based on standard designs for review and approval by others.
Oversees conservation practice construction and implementation in the field. Checks completed practices to determine that standards and specifications are met. Completes field sheets and recommends acceptability of completed practices to the NRCS supervisor for final certification. Advises landowner/operator to complete proper maintenance.
Utilizes NRCS computer software such as Conservation Desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, ProTracts and ArcMap for the development and management of conservation plans and technical assistance.
Conducts outreach and attends meetings as a Glacierland RC&D representative.
Assist with administrative office duties including filing, copying, mailing, payment processing, and record keeping.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
Knowledge and skill sufficient to conduct engineering surveys and to design practices to be utilized in conservation planning.
Knowledge of soil characteristics and agronomy to assist in developing complete or partial conservation plans for land units with several types of agricultural enterprises. Applies knowledge in order to install and maintain conservation practices.
Knowledge of agricultural and community land-use operations is required in order to acquire planning data to implement conservation practices.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with agricultural producers with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and with diverse clientele.
Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners.
Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work outdoors, and traverse variable landscapes in all weather conditions.
Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Occasional travel required.
Education Preference:
Associate or bachelor’s degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, or agricultural engineering. Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in conservation planning.
Compensation:
Salary - $14.95/hr. to $22.10/hr.
Fringe Benefits: Cash in lieu of benefits
Leave Benefits: Federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave
Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references
Application Deadline: October 2, 2020
Submit Application Package as pdf file(s) to: office@glacierlandrcd.org
For Questions About This Position or Application Process: contact Kari Divine at (920) 465-3006 or office@glacierlandrcd.org.
Anticipated Start Date: November 9, 2020 or TBD