Farm Conservation Planner

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is a statewide organization which is a collaboration of the 14 conservation districts in Massachusetts. A conservation district is a subdivision of state government, established under state law to carry out programs for the conservation and wise management of soil, water and related resources.  

Position Overview:

As a Farm Conservation Planner working for MACD's Accelerated Conservation Planning Project (ACPP), the incumbent shall provide assistance to land owners, county conservation districts, the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in carrying out coordinated soil and water conservation planning and delivery of farm assistance programs. 

Responsibilities:

1. Assist landowners in the identification of specific federal and state programs designed to assist in the viability, conservation and management of land use for food and fiber production or the preservation of natural resources.
2. Work with farmers and land owners in the selection and application of suitable soil and water conservation practices as needed to address individual resource concerns.
3. Receive referrals, contact farmers, & make field conservation planning visits.
4. Furnish necessary planning assistance resulting in a conservation plan that documents farmer/landowner decisions.
5. Provide assistance in layout, installation, and checks completed practices.
6. Update conservation Toolkit database with farm bill program information, applicant files, eligible practices, cost lists and contract details.
7. Enter conservation plan data into Toolkit for program applications and contracts
8. Develop and compile conservation planning maps for applicants and contracts.
9. Maintain program contract file folders.
10. Assist field office staff with contacting program applicants for data collection.
11. Compile data for input into nutrient and pest management components of conservation plans for program applicants and contracts for certification.
12. Assist in maintaining workload registers with information from contracts for needed follow-up, and in carrying out some basic functions of the follow-up schedule. 
13. Establish and maintain program files and documents for program delivery and documentation.
14. Maintain mailing and contact lists for program delivery.
15. Attend program related meetings to gather data and record information.
16. Assist with a public region-wide and targeted outreach campaign for marketing Farm Bill and Department of Agricultural Resources programs, including, but not limited to: simple visual displays for local meetings and conferences, field days, public events, articles for newsletters and other news media contacts. Work with NRCS Public Affairs Specialist in developing needed brochures and other outreach information. Assist with meeting notices, letters, printing, copying, mailings, etc. for program delivery.
17. Maintain records of work accomplishments for reports relative to all agricultural programs.

Qualifications:

1. Degree or professional experience in: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering including 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.
   Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
   Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the conservation planner position. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in conservation work. Familiarity with federal and state policies and programs to assist in the viability of food and fiber production and implementation of conservation for the management of natural resources should be highlighted in resume. Knowledge of or experience with wetlands restoration a plus.
2. Ability to produce work products using computers and MS Office applications.
3. Skill in organizational and administrative tasks.
4. Skill in both oral and written communication
5. Perform duties in a professional manner.
6. Perform other related duties and activities as assigned.
7. Ability to work well with others, individually and in groups.
8. Knowledge of equal opportunity and civil rights requirements of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Employment Act. Provides assistance to deliver programs and services that are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, physical/mental disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.  Maintain a positive regard for civil rights in all interactions with clients and others.
9. Possess a valid driver's license and a working motor vehicle for use during performance of duties. Variable driving hours. Mileage reimbursement.
10. A security clearance to be obtained.

Compensation: Full Time, Exempt, $40,000-$47,000 Salary Based on Education and Experience

Hours: 40 hrs/wk approx. 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.

Location: Position, dedicated to serving farms in Worcester County, will be headquartered in the Holden, MA NRCS field office under the supervision of the District Conservationist. Travel to and work from other field offices in MA may be required.

Closing Date:  July 15, 2010

To Apply:

Please email Cover Letter detailing degree, course credit and professional qualifications, resume and 3 references to Sharon Randall. Please no phone calls, no walk-ins.

Sharon Randall
USDA/NRCS
PO Box 709
Barnstable, MA 02630