Location: Gladstone,MI, USA
*INTRODUCTION *The Delta Conservation District is seeking qualified applicants to serve as their Conservation Technician Assistance Initiative (CTAI) Conservationist in the area of agriculture/environmental stewardship. The CTAI Conservationist position provides information and technical assistance to private landowners to implement conservation practices funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. The conservationist's role is to perform resource management activities that serve the public interest, are needed, but cannot be done efficiently by normal market forces, and which the private sector cannot, or will not, do because the activities will not generate an immediate profit. The CTAI Conservationist is employed by the Delta Conservation District and will work directly with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete their work. This position will be based in the USDA Gladstone field office in Delta County, and will serve Delta, Alger, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties.*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.• Promote thoughtful practices and holistic approaches that consider all ecosystem relationships.• 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 the Delta Conservation District, interagency groups, and regional and/or community development groups to gain insight into program areas and to observe and develop competence in personal, work relationships, and group meeting techniques.• Complete, document, and submit required reporting to the Delta Conservation District, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and NRCS.• Complete all required training in a timely manner. This includes becoming a Certified Conservation Planner within 5 years.• Support the goals and expectations of the Delta Conservation District. Provide assistance and participate in Delta County's culture, under the direction of the District Manager and District Board• Work cooperatively with staff members and partner agencies.REQUIREMENTS • Applicants must hold a 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.• The Conservationist must pass a federal background check and hold a valid driver's license.DESIRED SKILLS • General knowledge of local agricultural and forestry production to help install conservation practices. • Ability to work effectively with co-workers, partners, and the public.• Ability to ma