Soil Conservationist jobs in La Crosse, WI

Soil Conservationist

Prairie du Chien or Richland Center, WI

Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

Position Locations: Soil Conservationist will be based in either the Prairie du Chien or Richland Center NRCS Service Center office that serves Crawford and Richland counties.

Overview: Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. is seeking a Soil Conservationist for a 1 ½ year term position. This position will work in a joint capacity with Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council Inc. (Golden Sands RC&D) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to promote, accelerate enrollment, and coordinate and implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. The position will be based in the NRCS Service Center in either Prairie du Chien or Richland Center, Wisconsin (determined upon job announcement acceptance) and will provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers located in Crawford and Richland counties. The position duration may potentially extend beyond 1 ½ years, dependent upon funding availability.

This position is responsible for a variety of duties which assists NRCS District Conservationists and Area Staff Specialists in developing and carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program that is tailored to customers' needs and meets USDA and NRCS requirements.

This position is made available as a result of a cooperative agreement between Golden Sands RC&D and NRCS.

Duties: Provides technical assistance to private landowners (i.e. individual farmers), local government bodies, tribal entities, state and Federal agencies, and the general public in the development, application, and maintenance of a coordinated natural resources conservation program.

Works with farmers to develop conventional conservation plans addressing natural resource concerns; provides information concerning Farm Bill conservation programs; and develops conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual. Performs on-site inventory and evaluations; recommends and assists in conducting necessary preliminary surveys; and provides recommendations for feasible practices to solve resource concerns. Recommends conservation practices to farmers which help control erosion and conserve soil and water.

Performs informational duties such as writing stories and news articles, giving talks at meetings; participating in conservation demonstrations; conducting conservation field tours; and staffing NRCS and Golden Sands RC&D displays at various outreach events, and attending meetings as a Golden Sands RC&D representative.

Occasional travel required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with agricultural producers with a focus on understanding their goals and objectives for their property.
• Knowledge of soil conservation, agronomy, natural resource conservation, and ability to utilize planning tools in the development of conservation plans.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Strong commitment to quality customer service with landowners and partners.
• Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.

Education Requirement:

Bachelor degree (minimum) in natural resource management, soil conservation, or related agricultural field.

Compensation:

$28.73 - $37.35/hr commensurate with experience. Benefits include general paid time off, adjusted pay increase of $2.75/hr after the completion of the probationary period, and a Simple IRA retirement plan.

Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, resume, and college transcripts along with three professional references to . Title your email “Soil Conservationist Application.” All documents must be submitted as a pdf.

Contact Jennifer Glad, Executive Director of Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. at 715-343-6215 x701 or if you have questions about this position or the application process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.73 - $37.35 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Richland Center, WI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person