- Agency
- Iron Baraga Conservation District / NRCS
- Location
- Baraga, MI
- Job Category
- Full time Positions
- Salary
- Starting salary is dependent on experience: entry level will begin at $23/hr with full potential at $29/hr.
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/31/2023
- Website
- https://ironbaragacd.org/
- Description
- INTRODUCTION The CTAI Conservationist position provides information and technical assistance to private landowners to implement conservation practices funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. The CTAI Conservationist is employed by the Iron Baraga Conservation District. The Conservationist 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 Baraga field office and will serve Iron, Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and Gogebic County landowners. They may also provide minimal support services to and receive training within Dickinson and Menominee 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. • 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 Iron Baraga Conservation District (Covington, MI), 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 Iron Baraga 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 Iron Baraga Conservation District. Provide assistance and actively participate in Iron Baraga’s culture, under the direction of the District Manager and IBCD Board. • Work cooperatively with the FAP Forester and other staff members of Iron Baraga Conservation District. • Bridge relationships with all partners within the service area, work cooperatively with the staff and board of Houghton Keweenaw, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Conservation District’s. 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 manage a work schedule to provide assistance and follow-up to landowners on a timely basis. • Knowledge and skill in written and oral communication techniques and public relations sufficient to explain conservation practice specifications for various projects and programs to individual landowners, various agencies, and other conservation partners. • Ability to operate and maintain equipment (computers, vehicles, etc.) in a competent and safe manner. WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work requires personal contact with co-workers, contractors, landowners, and partners to exchange information, provide technical assistance services, and for the implementation of conservation practices under the 2018 Farm Bill. Some remote (telework) will be acceptable but most of the office work will be required at the USDA Baraga field office. At times, the Conservationist will need to report to the Iron Baraga Conservation District in Crystal Falls, MI. Driving to and from landowner sites, offices, and trainings will be a large part of this position and they will be traveling on roads periodically during periods of rain, sleet, ice and snow. In addition, the majority of the Upper Peninsula is remote a good preexisting comfort level with traveling to remote locations using maps and a GPS is strongly suggested. This position will be a combination of office (~60%) and field (~40%) work. The normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Infrequent nights and weekends may occur. Field visits may involve walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment, or climbing steep banks during adverse conditions (weather, bugs, etc.). The position requires average agility and dexterity during field visits. Protective gear and clothing such as hard hat, boots, and gloves may be necessary during field visits. COMPENSATION PACKAGE The CTAI Conservationist is a full time, 40 hour/week grant-funded position. The CTAI grants are issued from MDARD on a Fiscal Year basis (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30). Starting salary is dependent on experience: entry level will begin at $23/hr with full potential at $29/hr. Benefits include paid holidays and vacation, according to the Iron Baraga Conservation District’s personnel policy.
- Qualifications
- 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. You must also have a personal vehicle for minimal travel when a NRCS vehicle is not available. You will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate for all milage accrued using your personal vehicle. At this time COVID vaccination is not a requirement, however, due to the fact that this position is funded with federal dollars, vaccination may be a requirement in the future. TO APPLY Send resume, cover letter, transcripts, and up to 3 references to: Jen Ricker-Feak, District Manager Iron Baraga Conservation District ironbaragacd@gmail.com **Email heading: CTAI application APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31st, 2023 by 5:00 CST, or until filled, with preference to applications submitted by this deadline.
- Contact Person
- Jen Ricker-Feak, Distric Manager
- Contact eMail
- ironbaragacd@gmail.com
