Brief Job Description: This position will work within the Winnett Agricultural Community Enhancement and Sustainability (ACES) Conservation Program to assist producers in understanding Farm Bill programs, completing paperwork necessary for programs, developing management plans, and implementing conservation practices, as well as monitoring post-project impacts. The Conservation Technician will work under the direction of the Winnett ACES Conservation Program Manager and in close collaboration with the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) field offices in the ACES geography to deliver Montana Focused Conservation.

Position Background: As conservation efforts in central Montana continue to grow, the Winnett ACES and conservation partners have acknowledged the need for additional capacity dedicated to fostering conservation for the benefit of working lands, wildlife, local economies, and rural communities. This position at Winnett ACES has been created for the purpose of furthering on-the-ground conservation and working with landowners across central Montana. Working with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Petroleum County Conservation District, the Winnett ACES has secured four years of funding for a full-time Conservation Technician to work in central Montana.

Responsibilities:

Farm Bill Program Education and Enrollment (60% of time)

• Provide information to farmers, ranchers, landowners and other rural residents on the kinds of assistance available through USDA agencies and Farm Bill programs, especially through the NRCS, including the nature of programs and how and where to apply for assistance.
• Assist in conducting field investigations, surveys, and assembly of data needed in the development of conservation practices.
• Work with landowners on the application and maintenance of conservation practices common to central Montana.
• Independently explain Farm Bill programs procedures, including cost-share payments to the landowner/producer.
• Gather and compile planning data under the guidance of the local NRCS field office on rural and/or urban sites, including physical features and development of natural resources conservation plans.
• Assist NRCS and ACES staff with data collection related to natural resources.
• Complete basic surveying tasks.
• Assist NRCS and ACES staff with drafting maps to be used in conservation plans.
• Meet with landowners to review complete conservation plans.
• Aid in conservation planning by assisting with maps and recording soil survey data to be used in plans.
• Schedule follow up with landowners or operators to check progress of conservation practices that are under construction.
• Schedule follow up with landowners or operators to verify completion of conservation practices/contracts.

Winnett ACES Conservation Committee (30%)

• Assist the Conservation Program Manager as staff to the Winnett ACES Conservation Committee.
  • Communicate project requirements for the Winnett ACES Rangelands Improvement Program, complete site visits, and develop contracts/plans for projects and participants.
  • Complete site visits to verify project close-out. 
  • Compile and update records for ACES funded projects to include metrics and outreach information to share accomplishments of the Committee.
  • Implement a photo monitoring protocol and schedule for projects post implementation.
• Provide information to farmers, ranchers, landowners and other rural residents on the kinds of assistance available through programs of partners of the Winnett ACES, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife, the World Wildlife Fund, the Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, The Nature Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, and others.
• Speak with members of the public to provide information about conservation topics.

Other (10%)

• Support the Musselshell Plains Bird Monitoring Program in collaboration with ACES, WWF, FWP, USFWS, TNC, NGPJV, landowners and others.
• Assist with the Range Monitoring Group as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands: Requires regular and recurring prolonged walks over field terrain bending, lifting and stretching when setting up survey instruments and equipment. Technician will utilize the UTV at the local field office and must take and pass all safety requirements before operating government equipment.

Work Environment: Involves regular and recurring exposure to agricultural and construction-type equipment while in operation; exposure to heat, snow, and ice, as well as herbicide and chemical spray operations. The employee exercises caution and maintains all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. 

The NRCS vehicle can be used by the technician as the vehicle is available. In cases when the technician will use his/her own vehicle, work-related travel costs will be paid by the ACES at the state mileage and per diem rates.

This is a Winnett ACES position located at the Winnett NRCS Field Office. Work will be directed by the Winnett ACES strategic plan and will be highly collaborative with the NRCS, with daily supervision by the local NRCS field office.

Location: In-person office located at the Natural Resources and Conservation Service Winnett Field Office in Winnett, Montana. There is available housing in the Winnett community.

Term: The position is 40 hours per week.  The position is funded for four years.  

Compensation: $45,000 - $52,000, depending on experience 

Benefits: Ten federal holidays, paid time off beginning at 12 days per year, insurance stipend, retirement match after two years of employment.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of rural communities in the west.
• General knowledge of the agriculture industry.
• Excellent communication skills, especially with agricultural producers.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in the fields of natural resources, agriculture, or related field.
• Comfort with public speaking and making presentations.
• GIS, Excel, Word, Powerpoint and general computer skills.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for Winnett ACES’ mission.

The job announcement can be found at https://www.winnettaces.org/ .