Job Summary
The conservation planner is a full‑time, permanent position responsible for promoting, accelerating enrollment in, coordinating, and implementing conservation programs in Stearns County. This professional role requires a strong interdisciplinary background in natural resource planning, environmental problem assessment, and the application of conservation practices, especially irrigation water management, grazing management, nutrient management, cover crops and residue management. There is the potential to assist with planning for structural erosion control practices and water storage.
Duties
The essential job duties for this position are regular and timely work attendance, ability to establish and maintain working relationships with landowners, co-workers, agencies and others; ability to work under stressful conditions and adhere to programmatic deadlines, and items under "Duties and Performance Requirements” listed below.
- Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and other rural landowners, to design and implement conservation plans using the NRCS 9-step planning process or equivalent, such as the MN Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) assessment.
- Engage in conservation planning, program promotion, contract coordination, site assessment, and reporting for all conservation programs such as the environmental quality incentives program, regional conservation partnership program, conservation contracts, clean water funds, and watershed-based initiative funding.
- Obtain job approval authority for various ecological sciences practices, including but not limited to cover crops, nutrient management, grazing, irrigation water management, and residue management.
- Prepare contracts and payments for SCD Board approval
- Complete MAWQCP assessments, certifications, and reviews
- Assist with special projects such as monitoring, research, field demonstration projects, and outreach events.
- Document conservation practices and resource concerns, including by utilizing Conservation Desktop and MAWQCP assessment tool.
- Understand conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, and local entities and nonprofit organizations.
- Perform technical worek according to the NRCS FIeld Office Technical Guide, or other appropriate technical standard.
- Complete status reviews as directed.
Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience with a major study in biological or ecological sciences, agronomy, soil science or similar field of study. Course work in soils hydrology and agronomic subjects is desirable. Certified Crop Advisor certification is preferable. Minimum of two years of experience in these or related fields are preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Ability to learn new computer programs in an ever-changing work environment.
- May be required to work outside normal business hours.
- Knowledge of GIS/GPS programs.
- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working with a wide variety of people.
- Self-motivated: able to work with minimal supervision.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass USDA security background check.
- Ability to work in rugged terrain.
- Agricultural background is preferred.
Working Environment
Work is performed in an office setting approximately 65% of the time and 35% out in the field. Lifting requirement is up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and ability to work in rugged terrain is required.
Application Process
Submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- Letter of Interest
- Resume
- Transcript(s)
- Stearns Conservation District "Application for Employment" (available at www.StearnsCD.org/careers)
Pay: $26.36 - $36.54 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
