Overview:  Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. (Golden Sands RC&D) is seeking a full-time Urban Conservation Specialist for a 3-year term position. This position will work in a joint capacity with Golden Sands RC&D and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. This position will be split between the Golden Sands RC&D’s office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and local USDA/NRCS Field offices. Telework flexibilities could be afforded to this position based on experience and work duty requirements. The NRCS agency is responsible for technical and financial assistance to landowners and operators for implementation of soil and water conservation practices and will provide conservation technical assistance to landowners, groups, and units of government. Position duration may extend beyond 3 years, dependent upon funding availability.

The Urban Conservation Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties which assists NRCS District Conservationists and Area Staff Specialists in developing and carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program that is tailored to customers' needs and meets USDA and NRCS requirements relating to priorities for urban agriculture and conservation.

The primary purpose of the position is to collaborate with NRCS Field Office and Area Office staff, along with partnering units of government and organizations, in developing, coordinating, and implementing urban agriculture/conservation programs and projects.  

This position is made available as a result of a cooperative agreement between Golden Sands RC&D and USDA/NRCS.

Position Location:  Time split between Golden Sands RC&D office, Stevens Point, Wisconsin and local USDA/NRCS Field offices 

Duties:  Provides technical assistance to private landowners, local government bodies, tribal entities, state and Federal agencies, and the general public in the development, application, and maintenance of a coordinated natural resources conservation program related to urban agriculture and conservation.

Independently provides technical assistance to develop and apply diverse and complex urban conservation and agriculture programs and projects. Work involves following the conservation planning process to identify resource concerns related to urban conservation/agriculture on multiple land uses and work with landowners and groups on their objectives to address these concerns.  Performs on-site inventory and evaluations; recommends and assists in conducting necessary preliminary surveys; and provides recommendations for feasible practices to solve resource concerns. Develops/designs and implements conservation plans and conservation practices. Utilize Conservation Desktop to develop conservation plans and maps. Works with Farm Bill program applicants and contract holders, providing information concerning Farm Bill conservation programs; and develops conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual. 

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with public and private partners by exploring areas of mutual interest related to urban program development. Serves as the NRCS representative in working with other agencies and organizations that are interested in urban conservation programs.

Plans and conducts outreach and educational activities such as writing stories and news articles; giving presentations at meetings; participating in conservation demonstrations; conducting conservation field tours; and staffing NRCS and Golden Sands RC&D displays at various outreach events; and attending meetings as a Golden Sands RC&D representative. These activities could relate to information on the benefits of subjects such as soil testing/soil health, cover crops, seasonal high tunnels, irrigation and water conservation, urban forestry, native plantings for soil & water conservation/wildlife/pollinators, weed and pest control, and water and sediment control basins.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular travel required.  Occasional overnight travel may be required. 

Required Skills:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and groups with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property
• Knowledge of soil conservation, agronomy, forestry, natural resource conservation, and ability to utilize planning tools in the development of conservation plans, with a strong emphasis on urban conservation/agriculture related conservation projects and conservation practices
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and with diverse clientele
• Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners
• Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Education Requirement:  Bachelor degree (minimum) in natural resource management, soil conservation, agronomy, horticulture, or related agricultural field.

Golden Sands RC&D Employment Opportunies: https://www.goldensandsrcd.org/employment