The Regenerative Ag Technical Assistance Provider I (TAP I) will provide planning, design, implementation, monitoring and verification of on-farm/ranch conservation practices as a member of the CRARS conservation planning team. The TAP I will regularly interact and collaborate with producers, project partners and stakeholders to develop and evaluate systems-based land management plans across all agricultural systems in California. The TAP I will report to the Program Manager for Conservation Planning and Education.

The TAP I will regularly communicate with project partners and stakeholders to enhance technical assistance and partner networks throughout California; provide administrative support for various producer incentive programs and grants; participate in and provide support for the dissemination of information and outreach activities for producer and incentive programs, which may include producer field days and other events; coordinate and manage producer meetings as needed; communicate with 
producers to facilitate the evaluation activities associated with conservation plan implementation; prepare and submit reports, support the CRARS Regen Ag TAP Certification Program as needed, and other tasks as assigned.This position will be part of a conservation planning team to support grant-funded regional conservation planning and education programs. The TAP I will work with multiple federal and state agencies, Regional Conservation Districts (RCDs) and other conservation partners. The position is 
expected to contribute to ongoing funding and development efforts for the center's sustainability programming (e.g., proposal development, leveraging, and/or creating partnership and program opportunities).

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field. The field of study should be related to agriculture production, natural resource management, soil science, agroecology, environmental science or a related field that prepares the applicant to meet essential job functions. 

Experience with on farm/ranch conservation practices as they relate to soil health is desired, but training will be provided for those applicants without direct practical experience.

• Knowledge of sustainable/climate-smart/regenerative agriculture farming and grazing practices and principles of soil health
• Certified Technical Assistance Provider and/or Technical Service Provider (TSP) or have interest in becoming a certified TAP/ TSP
• Understanding of the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 9-step conservation planning process
• Ability to learn the conservation planning process for multiple resource concerns
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience with reporting
• Ability to communicate effectively with agricultural producers, landowners, technical service providers and other stakeholders
• Ability to navigate federal and state agencies to understand conservation planning opportunities, including funding for practice planning design, implementation, monitoring and verification
• Proficient computing capabilities (either Mac or PC)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to either use or learn GIS mapping software such as ArcGIS, QGIS or Google Earth Pro
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
• Responsible, punctual, self-directed and task-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving work environment and to work within deadlines
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple project deadlines
• Must have excellent people skills, and work well as a member of a team
• Must have the ability to take direction and dynamically adjust to feedback
• Candidates must be in possession of valid driver's license, automobile liability insurance, and have their own transportation.

Desirable skills:
• Certification as a Technical Service Provider (TSP) or Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) in Carbon Farm Planning, Soil Health, Nutrient Management, Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat, Grazing Planning, or Conservation Planning
• Current experience with GIS or other intensive mapping software
• Master’s Degree in Agriculture or a related discipline

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidate must be in possession of valid driver's license and automobile liability insurance. Participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (driving record) is required. The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is requiredfor employment. Chico State Enterprises will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current Chico State Enterprises employee who was conditionally offered the position.