Opening Date: July 8th, 2026
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist III-Conservation Planner
Group/Class: B20/2684
Annual Salary: $55,000-$58,000 (salary commensurate with experience)
Work Location: Mt. Pleasant, TX
Travel: As needed
Reports to: On-The-Ground Conservation Project Manager
Position Term: Funding for this TEMPORARY position will terminate on May 29, 2029 along with the position.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Provide technical assistance to interested farmers and ranchers to develop conservation plans, design and implement conservation practices. Enroll producers in conservation programs like, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and TSSWCB Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP). Focus will be placed on implementing, designing, and promoting conservation practices that improve soil health, increase grazing system function, restore wetlands, develop perennial wildlife habitat, improve nutrient management, enhance forest health, and support social and economic resilience among agricultural producers.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Work with agricultural producers to develop site-specific conservation plans, design and implement regenerative agriculture systems and practices.
Provide producers with appropriate conservation plans or referrals to other partners who can develop specialized plans.
Help agricultural producers access financial assistance programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) from NRCS and TSSWCB’s Water Quality Management Plan Program (WQMP).
Meet with and develop collaborative relationships with other organizations and individuals who can provide technical and financial assistance to producers.
Work with local NRCS field staff to prepare plans that could be funded through cost-share programs through NRCS.
Utilize Geographic Information System mapping software and other computer programs necessary for conservation plan creation.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in agriculture, natural resources, or a related field. Applicants with at least 2 years’ experience in natural resources conservation fieldwork involving the development and implementation of conservation plans are preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Preference will be given to applicants who possess a Level I-III planning certification from USDA-NRCS (formerly known as Certified Conservation Planner).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
· Must be familiar with USDA-NRCS conservation practices related to soil health, agroforestry, and ranching. Specific practices include, but are not limited to conservation cover, conservation crop rotation, residue and tillage management (no-till and reduced till), cover crop, filter strips, nutrient management, grazing management, pasture and range planting, irrigation water management, and riparian area restoration.
· Ability to work with multiple teams and provide leadership among diverse partners to achieve conservation objectives for producers.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Earth, QGIS, or similar mapping tools.
· Knowledge of native and invasive plant species, with the ability to identify key rangeland and wildlife ecology concepts, habitat restoration practices, and management approaches.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly engage landowners, partner agencies, and colleagues.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while serving a diverse clientele.
· Strong organizational skills and demonstrated leadership ability with a high degree of self-motivation.
Incumbent must be able to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle, safely accomplish moderate lifting (15 to 44lbs), maintain moderate physical activity with full range of motion and possess the ability to both work alone and as a member of a group.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License.
Preference for applicants who possess a Level I-III certification from USDA-NRCS (formerly known as Certified Conservation Planner).
APPLICATION PROCESS
A completed, signed State of Texas application for Employment is required for this position. Mail an original application to the address below. Resumes may be submitted but will not be accepted in lieu of the application. A State of Texas application for Employment may also be completed on the WorkInTexas website at http://www.workintexas.com
For additional information, visit our website at http://www.tsswcb.texas.gov or contact:
Human Resource Department
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board 1497 Country View Lane
Temple, TX 76504-8806
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans or members of the Reserve or National Guard with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, OSS or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManag ement.pdf
Selection Information
Criminal background checks maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be
conducted before an offer of employment is extended. Evidence of criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the TSSWCB.
At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the
U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 and are required to register with the Selective Service may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
TSSWCB participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if
necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
****Important Notice****
Applicants must understand these are TEMPORARY grant funded positions that will terminate on May 31, 2029. Applicants should realize that, if selected, their employment may terminate with the unexpected cancellation of grant funds prior to May 31, 2029.
All other employment policies and procedures are the same as those that apply to all Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board employees.
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against job applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at (254)773-2250x227.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
