Delta Conservation District is hiring for the following position:

Conservationist- CTAI

INTRODUCTION

The Delta Conservation District is seeking qualified applicants to serve as their Conservation Technician Assistance Initiative (CTAI) Conservationist in the area of agriculture/environmental stewardship. The CTAI Conservationist position provides information and technical assistance to private landowners to implement conservation practices funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. The conservationist’s role is to perform resource management activities that serve the public interest, are needed, but cannot be done efficiently by normal market forces, and which the private sector cannot, or will not, do because the activities will not generate an immediate profit. The CTAI Conservationist is employed by the Delta Conservation District and will work directly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete their work. This position will be based in the USDA Gladstone field office in Delta County, and will serve Delta, Alger, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties.

DUTIES

• Conduct field visits to obtain data and other information as necessary for the implementation of NRCS conservation practices such as, but not limited to, pest management, nutrient management, forest management, wildlife habitat management, and tree/shrub establishment.
• Promote thoughtful practices and holistic approaches that consider all ecosystem relationships.
• Provide on-site technical assistance for the implementation of conservation practices. Follow up with landowners, as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to cooperators in the development of Farm Bill contracts, and the application and maintenance of conservation practices.
• Assist the NRCS District Conservationist with Farm Bill payments, modifications, and any other administrative duties as needed.
• Develop informational presentations or written material for promotion of USDA and Conservation District programs, locally. May conduct field tours and demonstrations to further the adoption of conservation practices.
• Utilize references to complete work, including, but not limited to, USDA NRCS policy and procedure as outlined in Bulletins, Technical Releases, and the Field Office Technical Guide.
• Attend monthly board meetings of the Delta Conservation District, interagency groups, and regional and/or community development groups to gain insight into program areas and to observe and develop competence in personal, work relationships, and group meeting techniques.
• Complete, document, and submit required reporting to the Delta Conservation District, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and NRCS.
• Complete all required training in a timely manner. This includes becoming a Certified Conservation Planner within 5 years.
• Support the goals and expectations of the Delta Conservation District. Provide assistance and participate in Delta County’s culture, under the direction of the District Manager and District Board.
• Work cooperatively with staff members and partner agencies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must hold 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.
• The Conservationist must pass a federal background check and hold a valid driver’s license.

DESIRED SKILLS

• General knowledge of local agricultural and forestry production to help install conservation practices.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers, partners, and the public.
• Ability to manage a work schedule to provide assistance and follow-up to landowners 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, and other conservation partners.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, etc.) in a competent and safe manner.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners, and partners to exchange information, provide technical assistance services, and for the implementation of conservation practices under the 2018 Farm Bill. Some remote (telework) will be acceptable but most of the office work will be required at the USDA Gladstone field office.

This position will be a combination of office (~60%) and field (~40%) work.  The normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Infrequent nights and weekends may occur. Field visits may involve walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment, or climbing steep banks during adverse conditions (weather, bugs, etc.). The position requires average agility and dexterity during field visits. Protective gear and clothing such as hard hat, boots, and gloves may be necessary during field visits.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The CTAI Conservationist is a full time, 40 hour/week annually renewed grant-funded position, funded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the District. The CTAI grants are issued from MDARD on a Fiscal Year basis (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30). Starting salary is dependent on experience: entry level will begin at $23/hr with full potential at $29/hr. Benefits include 11 paid federal holidays, 4 District recognized paid holidays (Yooper Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve), spontaneous early dismissal days, generous vacation and sick leave, mileage reimbursement, healthcare benefit can be negotiated and more.

TO APPLY

Send resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and up to 3 references to:

Heather LeDuc, District Manager

Delta Conservation District

heather.leduc@macd.org

**Email heading: CTAI application

Please visit our website as www.deltacd.org to learn more about the District.  You may also email or call the office at (906) 553- 7700 with any questions.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled. Expected Start Date is October 1, 2024 but the District can be flexible for the right person.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (deltacd.org)

Delta Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.