Agriculture Conservation Specialist

Agriculture Conservation Specialist Location:

NRCS Field Office Woodstown, NJ Classification:

Full-time

INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Woodstown Service Center and the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District office. NRCS works in cooperation with the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District (DSCD) to provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, urban growers and private landowners to encourage the implementation of conservation practices designed to address natural resource issues. The specialist assists the NRCS District Conservationist, Resource Specialists, and District staff in carrying out a coordinated soil and water conservation program and implementation of urban agriculture initiatives in the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District. The specialist is responsible for application, follow-up and maintenance work for preliminary and single-practice phases that are scheduled in the conservation plan under the direction and supervision of the District Conservationist.

MAJOR DUTIES

Develops and carries out schedules for conservation practice implementation and follow up work for USDA Farm Bill Programs provides assistance with program implementation as assigned by, and under the direction and supervision, of the District Conservationist. The specialist will be expected to assist the public with the development of conservation plans, financial assistance contracts and ensuring implementation of these plans and contracts. Works with landowners on the application of various types of Federal and State Technical and Financial Assistance Programs and practices on agricultural and private lands in the work area. Makes initial contacts with landowners. Provides technical assistance in the layout, installation, and maintenance of conservation practices called for in plans and contracts. Makes onsite adjustments to and deviations from conservation practices to meet field conditions. Works to develop conservation plans and financial assistance contracts in cooperation with the NRCS District Conservationist. Determines need and site location, survey and designs, stakes out and supervises installation on contracted items and certifies performance on referrals to the district conservationists. Calculates soil loss and provides soil loss data for computation of water quality benefits. Reports number and acres of land benefited from planning and application of conservation practices. Gathers complete planning data on complex enterprise land units where agriculture or private land conservation is involved. Applies a working knowledge of soil and water quality planning and designing to explain its purpose and intent, to answer questions, and to explain benefits of improved land use and water quality. Presents planning information to the soil conservationist and resource conservationist including possible solutions to physical problems for development of conservation plans. Follows up in writing and by field visit on conservation practices, with landowners to encourage and arrange for proper maintenance and to schedule application of additional practices called for in contracts. . Records the kind of technical assistance needed and when it is scheduled or when contact should be made to develop firm schedule. Notes changes in practice installation dates, items to be added or deleted, changes in farming operations, etc. Documents that all items previously applied are being properly maintained using accountability tools. Works towards obtaining NRCS Conservation Planner certification. Assists in conducting information work in the field office by assembling NRCS materials for use at meetings and tours. Recognizes and provides notes on newsworthy items to the District Conservationist; by assisting with demonstrations and tours for landowners and interested groups such as farmers. Provides assistance to the District Conservationist in carrying out information programs. Maintains records and assists in the preparation of reports on work planned and accomplished. Actively participate in current NRCS working groups targeted at urban agriculture. Engage with specialized working groups to explore overlap. Support NRCS and the District with Urban outreach, program implementation and serve as local liaison between NRCS and local communities on urban subjects. Develop a maintain relationships with urban ag organization outside of NRCS. Support NRCS with urban conservation planning and implementation. Serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. A valid New Jersey driver's license is required. Actively supports and participates in the safety and health program activities as required. Complies with all appropriate safety and health rules and regulations in the performance of assigned tasks. Actively supports the Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Program and assures the delivery of agency programs and services are carried out in accordance with policy and procedures without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or physical or mental handicap. Complies with and adheres to all Federal policies and policies of the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District. The specialist will be supervised by the District Conservationist while detailed to the

USDA NRCS

Field Office and by the District Manager while working in the DelAtlantic Conservation District office. Performs other duties as assigned. How to

Apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest, along with a list of references, to: Michael Kent, District Manager DelAtlantic Conservation District 6260 Old Harding Highway Mays Landing, NJ 08330 or by email to Michael Kent at delatlantic@delatlantic.org We strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The DelAtlantic Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person