CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN POSITION DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The Conservation Technician will provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement conservation practices that have been funded under the Farm Bill. The Technician will be employed by Missaukee Conservation District. Work assignments will be made by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist who will also provide technical guidance.
The purpose of this position is to assist Missaukee Conservation District in its efforts to help Michigan citizens better understand, plan, manage, protect, and utilize their natural resources. The technician provides information and technical assistance to private landowners in order to implement conservation practices funded through the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (also known as the 2002 Farm Bill), the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (also known as the 2008 Farm Bill), and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (also known as the 2014 Farm Bill). The technician will work directly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete this work.
DUTIES
- The primary service area is NRCS SW Area 2 (Missaukee, Wexford, Kalkaska, and Osceola counties).
- The technician's work may include working with landowners to develop, implement, maintain, and revise conservation plans that are simple and clear-cut, assisting in the evaluation of the implementation of conservation plans and alternatives, and assisting in design and installation activities for application of conservation practices.
- The technician serves as the first point of contact for NRCS District Conservationist staff for the implementation of conservation practices in the counties within the service area, or as directed by NRCS.
- The technician shall provide, as a public service, on-site technical assistance to private landowners under contract with USDA for the implementation of conservation practices. Work closely and maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professionals, both public and private, in support of a holistic approach to the management of natural resources.
- The assistance provided by the technician shall be in accordance with applicable NRCS policy, procedures, and practice standards.
- The technician shall provide training to others in the implementation of conservation practices as requested.
- The technician shall maintain a library of digital photographs on completed projects and provide photographs to the Grantor upon request.
- The technician shall work cooperatively with other conservation districts and employees in the service area to support the goals and programs of the district.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- General knowledge of local agricultural production practices to install conservation practices.
- Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the public. Ability to carry out own work schedule to aid and follow-up to cooperators 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, local sponsoring organizations, and other conservation partners.
- Must pass federal background check.
- A valid Michigan driver's license
- Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, survey levels, etc.) in a safe manner.
- 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.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners, and operators for the purpose of exchanging information, providing technical assistance services, and for the implementation of conservation practices under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (also known as the 2002 Farm Bill), the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (also known as the 2008 Farm Bill), and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (also known as the 2014 Farm Bill)..
Most of the work will be conducted in the field. The normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The employee frequently will make field visits that may involve walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment, or climbing steep banks during all weather conditions. The position requires average agility and dexterity during field visits. Protective gear and clothing such as hardhat, boots, and gloves may be necessary during field visits.
Training & Employee Development
- The technician shall participate in all required training sessions as determined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and NRCS. The MDARD Regional Coordinator may approve exceptions to this requirement in the event of prevailing circumstances.
- Prepare or update an Employee Development Plan (EDP) for the technician which outlines trainings, conferences, or meetings which staff will attend to increase their individual knowledge and skill base. This should be completed in collaboration with MDARD and NRCS.
Pay and Benefits
Pay rate will be $19.75/hour to $21/hour based on experience. 13 holidays paid holidays and paid sick leave.
