Forest and Conservation Worker jobs in Michigan

Lapeer Conservation District

700 S. Main St. Suite 120-C

Lapeer, MI 48446

Open Position: Conservation Technician

STARTING DATE: Pending results of background investigation

TO APPLY: Only candidates that submit a resume with a cover letter will be considered for this position. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until the filing deadline which is 5 pm on May 8, 2024. This position description also may be downloaded from the Lapeer Conservation District website, www.lapeercd.org. No phone calls please! The Lapeer Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

POSITION OVERVIEW: Through employment with the Lapeer Conservation District, the Conservation Technician will assist USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) with the planning and facilitating of various agricultural conservation practices available to Lapeer and Oakland County landowners through the 2018 Farm Bill. One position is open. This is a grant funded, non-federal position with intentions for renewal.

STATEMENT OF WORK: The Conservation Technician will aid in the delivery of USDA Farm Bill Programs, primarily CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) and EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Delivery of these programs to customers will be through multiple phases including farm site assessments, developing conservation plans, assisting with program signups, contracting and facilitating implementation.

RELATIONSHIPS: The technician is supervised by, and reports to the Manager of the Lapeer Conservation District. The Technician will work closely with the NRCS District Conservationist and will adhere to USDA-NRCS practice standards. The Technician will also develop and maintain positive working relationships with fellow employees as well as with employees of other conservation agencies. This position requires direct contact with landowners and the public for education, planning, and facilitating the implementation of conservation practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop a weekly schedule in consultation with the District Manager and NRCS District Conservationist.

2. Work directly with clients to identify natural resource concerns and develop conservation plans.

3. Assist clients with applying for financial assistance through USDA Farm Bill Programs including application processing, application ranking and document preparation for program selections, and contract management.

4. Conduct field visits to obtain data and other information as needed for the design, installation, and certification of NRCS conservation practices such as, but not limited to, pest management, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, cover crops, conservation cover, and tree/shrub establishment.

5. Assist contract holders with technical guidance regarding implementation of their practices.

6. Develop a follow-up schedule with producers; make appointments, and adjust schedule to conform to special requests, weather conditions, or other disruptions.

7. Assist the District Conservationist with monitoring progress of contract implementation, conducting contract reviews, processing contract modifications and payments, and general correspondence with contract holders.

8. Learn EQIP and CSP program rules and regulations concerning administration of applications and contracting procedures.

9. Learn agency specific software related to mapping, planning &contracting.

10. Maintain accurate, organized records of customer interactions.

11. Maintain client confidentiality.

12. Develop in-person and virtual presentations to deliver Farm Bill outreach and education for various audiences. Events may include preparing news articles for publication in newsletters or on website, organizing and conducting field tours, demonstrations, or workshops.

13. Complete and submit monthly board reports to the Lapeer and Oakland Conservation Districts.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1. Work with the District Manager to assist with conservation services such as the annual meeting, walk-in customers, answering telephones, general office upkeep, tree and miscellaneous sales, as well as anything else not specifically listed yet deemed appropriate by the Lapeer Conservation District Board of Directors.

2. Assist in the preparation of District records, reports, and annual and long-range work plans.

3. Attend meetings of the Lapeer and Oakland Conservation District Boards as directed.

4. Work cooperatively with multiple agencies, including but not limited to, USDA-NRCS, MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), and MSUE (Michigan State University Extension).

5. Attend and participate in various professional development classes and training events. Obtain NRCS certifications in Conservation Planning, Pest Management, and Nutrient Management when courses are available.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Four-year Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or a natural resource related field from an accredited college or university.

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

3. Excellent computer skills and ability to learn USDA software programs.

4. Ability to plan, schedule, and prioritize workload.

5. Ability to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; ability to lift 50 pounds.

6. Willingness to travel occasionally to trainings and meetings, some of which may be overnight.

7. A valid Michigan driver’s license and willingness to drive in urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout Lapeer and Oakland Counties.

8. Must be able to pass a Federal Background Check.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. One or more years of experience in natural resources, agriculture, forestry or other conservation fieldwork.

2. Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and conservation practices.

3. GIS experience.

4. Public speaking experience

SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK HOURS:
The Conservation Technician is an hourly position with a starting range beginning at $19/hour and is based in Lapeer, MI. Telework options are available as per personnel policy. Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Some night and weekend work will be required. Benefits include paid training opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off in accordance with District policies.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.35 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lapeer, MI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person