Farm Bill Technician

Position Description: Full Time Position Available

Position Objective:

            To work with the Huron Conservation District and assisting USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), for the purpose of planning, contracting, and implementing a wide range of conservation practices. These practices have a major focus on Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Conservation Cover in Huron County. This is a grant funded position.

Statement of Work:

            The Conservation Technician will aid in the delivery of USDA Farm Bill Programs available to qualifying agricultural customers within Huron County. Delivery of these programs to customers will be through multiple phases including farm sites and assessments, developing conservation plans, assisting with program signups, contracting and implementation. Technician will use knowledge of crop and soil sciences to support conservation efforts of local landowners by assisting in implementing nutrient management practices.

Relationships:

            The technician is supervised by and reports to the Manager of the Huron Conservation District. The technician will work closely with other employees and the Huron County NRCS District Conservationist and staff. This position also requires direct contact with landowners and the public to help plan and implement conservation practices. The technician will adhere to USDA NRCS practice standards.

Essential Functions:

1.     Work directly with clients to identify environmental concerns and develop conservation plans.

2.     Assist contracts holders with technical guidance regarding implementation of their practices with emphasis on Nutrient Management (590) and Pest Management Conservation System (595). Refer to electronic Field Office Technical Guide for NRCS for more information on these two practice standards.

3.     Work to create and develop nutrient and pest management plans for agricultural producers which includes providing nutrient recommendations, reviewing fertilizer applications and records, etc.

4.     Learn programs rules and regulations concerning administration of applications and contracting procedures for each Farm Bill program under NRCS responsibility.

5.     Must use agency specific software related to mapping, planning and contracting.

6.     Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and ability to keep the records organized.

7.     Assist in general office management and customer service.

8.     Maintain client confidentiality.

District Activities:

            You will be employed by the Huron Conservation District and will assist in District events and general office work. Events include tree sale, pesticide jug recycling, tire recycling, nitrate lab, conservation cover plantings and seed sales.

 Qualifications:

1.     Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and/or experience in crop and soil sciences, or and agriculture related degree is preferred. Considerations of alternative degrees and experience may be considered by the Board of Directors’ if he/she is viewed as a good candidate.

2.     Experience: Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices is preferred, but not required.

Compensation:

            The Farm Bill Technician is a full time, 40 hours/week.  Salary will be dependent on experience, $20.00-$23.00 an hour. Benefits include insurance stipend, life insurance, pension plan, paid holidays and vacation according to District policies.

How To Apply

Please email cover letter stating your suitability for the position based on knowledge and skills, along with a resume, and list of references to the Huron Conservation District at katie.volmering@mi.nacdnet.net or mail to: Huron Conservation District, 1460 S. Van Dyke, Bad Axe, MI 48413.

Applications must be received no later than 4:00pm EDT Friday, October 4th, 2024.

The Huron Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment, promotions, or compensation on the basis of races, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, handicap, or veteran status.