Employer: Missaukee Conservation District

Office Location: 7192 E 34 Road, Cadillac, MI 49601 - The individual will be employed by the Missaukee Conservation District; workstation will be in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Cadillac location. Assignments are in a multi-county area.

Compensation: $19.75-$21 per hour based on experience

Schedule: 40 hours per week grant-funded position. Typically, Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, infrequent nights and weekends may occur for training or conferences. The CTAI grants are issued by MDARD on a Fiscal Year basis (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30). The Missaukee Conservation District has held this grant since 2010.

Benefits: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; Aflac; and $2,500/year stipend for health reimbursement and $2,500/year retirement.

Position start date: Two weeks after hire date

Position Summary: The CTAI Soil Conservationist will provide oversight for implementation of conservation practices under the 2018 Farm Bill. The work involves treating a variety of agriculture problems, questions, or situations (relating to the planning, design, and installation of conservation practices) in accordance with NRCS guidelines.  Work is performed under the technical guidance of the NRCS District Conservationist.

Working Environment: 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. This position will be a combination of office and field work.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND 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.
• 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 Missaukee Conservation District and Wexford Conservation District.
• Complete, document, and submit required reporting to the Missaukee Conservation District, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and NRCS.
• Complete all required training in a timely manner.
• Support the goals and expectations of the Missaukee Conservation District.
• Bridge relationships with all partners within the service area, work cooperatively with the staff and board of the Missaukee and Wexford Conservation Districts.

REQUIREMENTS

• 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.
• Must pass a federal background check and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Must have a personal vehicle for minimal travel when a NRCS vehicle is not available. Individuals will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate for all mileage accrued using a personal vehicle.