Employment Opportunity Announcement July 11, 2024
The Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District (WCNRCD) seeks an Agricultural Resource Specialist to help expand the district’s conservation programming in Windham County.
Job Type: Full-time (up to 40 hours/week with a flexible schedule including some weeknight and weekend commitments)
Location: Brattleboro, VT with work throughout Windham County, option to work from home part of the time.
Starting Date: Approximately September 3, 2024.
Job Description:
Summary:
The Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District (WCNRCD) seeks to fill a full-time Agricultural Resource Specialist Position to serve the Windham County community. The Agricultural Resource Specialist will assist with implementation of the Vermont Agriculture Clean Water Initiative Program (Ag-CWIP) that provides outreach, education, and technical assistance to Windham County producers to enhance soil health, protect water quality and other natural resources, build climate resilience, and strengthen financial viability by providing help accessing financial assistance for best management practice implementation. Additionally, the Agricultural Resource Specialist will support the 9-step conservation planning process to support applications to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s conservation programs for assistance. The individual who fills this position should be a certified conservation planner or be willing to pursue certification in this position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Resource Specialist will work to coordinate and implement conservation and restoration programs and projects in Windham County with partner agencies, towns, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Primary duties will include outreach and education to producers, technical assistance for farmers through the district’s farm teams program, working with farmers on nutrient management plan updates, and design and implementation of educational programming related to water quality, soil health, climate resilience and agriculture.
Required Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, agricultural sciences or a related field and at least three years of relevant practical experience. Preferred candidates will have education and experience related to agriculture, natural resources and conservation. Candidates must have outstanding organizational and communication skills, the ability to prioritize tasks and to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Preferred candidates should have experience with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 9-step conservation planning process. For more information, please visit:https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning
Applicants who do not yet have all the required and preferred skills but are enthusiastic about the work are encouraged to apply.
Supervision:
The Agricultural Resource Specialist will be an employee of the Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District. Direct supervision will be by the Executive Director, who is responsible to the District’s Board of Supervisors. Guidance and workload prioritization will be provided by the Executive Director. In addition, guidance from NRCS staff, other District Managers throughout Vermont or from the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts may be provided in relation to programs, current clean water legislation, and water quality issues affecting the entire state. Changes in duties and program direction must be approved by the Executive Director and the Board of Supervisors and be in line with natural resource needs and concerns of the district residents and partners.
Critical Skills Needed:
- Comfortable speaking one-on-one with landowners and producers about natural resource issues on their land
- Able to plan and implement workshops and webinars; comfortable speaking in front of groups
- Knowledge of Vermont natural resources issues, including agricultural water quality issues
- Knowledge of agricultural conservation practices that benefit soil health, water, wildlife, and climate
- Ability to assess and document resource concerns in the field
- Familiarity with Arc-GIS and map interpretation
- Self-organizing and goal setting; detail-oriented in data collection and communication
- Strong interpersonal, written, and research skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to work efficiently without direct supervision
- Comfort with performing manual labor outside in variable weather conditions.
- Candidate must be able to clear a thorough federal background check to work on the USDA NRCS computer system and have access to Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
- Strong computer literacy including experience with Windows, MS Office, Google Drive and social media platforms
- Candidate must have access to a personal vehicle for travel throughout district with mileage reimbursement provided
Desired Skills and Experiences
- Experience in non-profit and/or government work environments
- Experience in conservation planning using NRCS tools and systems.
- Experience in grant research, writing and administration
- Strong research skills, survey development, data collection, and detail-oriented project tracking and reporting
- Conservation practice installation experience including buffer plantings, fence work, floodplain restoration, stormwater projects, etc.
Compensation: Starting pay rate between $21 and $23/hour depending on experience and education with predictable pay increases after the first six months and annually contingent on satisfactory performance reviews, paid time off and paid holidays, paid sick leave, cash stipend equal to 20% of gross wages employee can use towards health care, retirement or to supplement income, short-term disability insurance and 401K option with match.
To Apply:
Please email [email protected] a single PDF file with “Agricultural Resource Specialist Application” in the subject line, containing:
- A cover letter indicating your interest in the position
- A resume detailing relevant education and experience
- Three professional references
- Position will remain open until filled; however, the district will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on August 1.
- All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.