POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Conservation Specialist is both an outreach and technical assistance position focused on accelerating the voluntary adoption of conservation practices in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) through new and existing approaches, tools, and programs. Successful
candidate will have excellent communication skills and have demonstrated experience building trust and accountability across differences and have a deep understanding of farming and agriculture.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
The Conservation Specialist will work with farmer program staff to conduct direct outreach to farmers and producers in the WLEB in particular and Hillsdale County in general. The Conservation Specialist will connect landowners to all of the conservation program options available in Hillsdale County including: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill Programs, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) programs and other local programs. The Conservation Specialist will understand the eligibility requirements, benefits and processes for all programs and be able to recommend programs to producers based on their individual resource concerns.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Promote conservation programs and practices in the farming community. 2. Utilize mapping tools to identify areas to focus efforts to farms and fields with the highest priority for conservation implementation.
3. Develop outreach strategy for high priority areas to increase interest in conservation programs.
4. Develop relationships with key constituencies in the farming community around conservation implementation.
5. Assist with identifying key leaders in the farming community that demonstrate commitment to implementing conservation.
6. Conduct field visits and on-farm assessments as part of the conservation planning process. Identify specific problems and provide solutions to landowners to address resource concerns, specifically focusing efforts on the reduction of sediment and nutrient delivery to surface water.
7. Offer technical assistance to farmers by recommending practices and programs to address resource concerns, connect farmers to Technicians for program applications and implementation assistance.
8. Assist farmers with sign up for various technical and cost-share programs.
9. Stay up-to-date with program rules and regulations concerning administration of applications and contracting procedures for Farm Bill and State conservation programs.
10.Maintain accurate and organized records of producer interactions in CRM software.
11.Assist with planning and facilitation of farmer-focused educational events.
12.Participate in technical assistance training provided by MDARD and NRCS as required.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1. Assist with Hillsdale Conservation District programs such as participating in the annual meeting, providing content for the monthly newsletter, complete monthly accomplishments report for board, address resident inquiries related to technical assistance, and other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Board of Directors.
2. Develop monthly and annual work plan in consultation with the District Manager. 3. Develop an Employee Development Plan with District Manager
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. A Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture, natural resources or related field.
2. A minimum of two years of experience in agriculture, ideally row crops.
3. Preferred candidates will have strong advocacy or sales skills. A successful candidate will be proficient at cold calling and promoting conservation to unsolicited landowners and operators.
4. Preferred candidates will have knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices.
5. Preferred candidates are familiar with the agricultural community in Hillsdale County, in particular within the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB).
ABILITIES:
1. Exceptional verbal communication skills.
2. Exceptional social and interpersonal skills.
3. Brings a positive attitude and is a team player.
4. Excellent computer skills are required. Computer workstation will be provided, including a standard PC, on a shared network with Windows-based software.
5. Excellent organizational, time management skills.
6. Self-motivated and driven to achieve results.
7. Can work cooperatively with district personnel and other agencies.
8. Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift 30 pounds.
9. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
10.Regular travel to farm locations around the county is required.
11.Flexible availability for evening and weekends outside of regular business hours to attend community meetings and events.
12.Must be able to pass a background security check.
SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK HOURS, LOCATION
This position will be based in Jonesville, Michigan. This location is in Southern Michigan where there is a diverse variety of agriculture for the region, including row crops, diversified vegetable production, dairy, and livestock. Work time will be generally split between the main Hillsdale Conservation District office, field work. The Hillsdale County Conservation District office is located at the Farm Service Building at 588 Olds St Building 2 Jonesville, MI 49250.
This is an hourly position 40 hours per week, which includes benefits (paid federal holidays, vacation and sick leave. Also, company cell phone). Pay is commensurate with experience and ranges from $17.00-$21.00.
Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Evening and weekend work will be required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
Schedule:
Education:
License/Certification:
Work Location: One location
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