Conservation Technician

The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District (CLMCD) is seeking interested applicants to serve as their Conservation Technician Assistance Initiative (CTAI) Conservationist in the area of agriculture/environmental stewardship. The Conservation Technician will be responsible for working with the USDA-NRCS Sault Ste Marie Field Staff to assist in the implementation of Farm Bill programs in all of Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. The primary purpose of the Conservation Technician is to provide private landowners with on-farm technical assistance and conservation planning using USDA-NRCS Farm Bill Programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The Technician is also responsible for collaborating with other District staff/partners to promote CLMCD programing and educate diverse audiences on the importance of environmental quality in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The selected candidate will be based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and will include assignments in all of Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. Duties will be performed under the supervision of the CLMCD Executive Director.

**Required Qualifications**:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soils, or a natural resources discipline such as forestry, soil science, agronomy, or agriculture engineering
• Superior customer service skills
• Valid state issued driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Ability to undergo and pass a federal background check
• Outstanding organization/planning skills
• Experience with agriculture practices/needs
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills – Microsoft office suite
• Experience working with livestock (Beef, Horses, Sheep)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with implementing conservation practices on farms
• Knowledge base of local agriculture issues
• Knowledge of USDA-NRCS Farm Bill Programs
• Previous experience with Conservation District’s
• Experience in educational writing for general public

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, livestock watering systems, livestock nutrient management, seasonal high tunnel, 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.
• Complete, document, and submit required reporting to the Chippewa Luce Mackinac 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 Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.
• Work cooperatively with ALL CLMCD staff members of the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District.
• Bridge relationships with all partners within the service area.

Compensation:

This position is funded by an annually renewed grant provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to CLMCD. The technician starting wage is $46,000 with wage step increases provided with completing required trainings, positive work performance, and time served. The technician will be required to work 40 hours/week and compensated on a bi-weekly basis. Regular hours of duty are between 8:00am 4:30pm, but includes night and weekend hours with schedule flexibility. Candidate will be required to use personal vehicle at times. Benefits include paid time off (PTO), holidays, Flex time, $2,080 yearly contribution to a retirement savings, $2,000 yearly health insurance stipend, dental insurance, and vision insurance.

About the Area:

Sault Ste Marie is unique waterfront community with many historical attributes and diversity of people. Sault Ste Marie is very much a small town with affordable housing options and quaint local businesses. Sault Ste Marie has much to offer to someone looking to get away from a larger town or city. The greater Eastern Upper Peninsula is an outdoor lover’s dream with world class fisheries, hunting, hiking, ATVing, paddling, and other outdoor activities with unlimited places to see including the Hiawatha National Forest, Tahquamenon State Park, Mackinac Island, Drummond Island, Les Cheneaux Islands, Paradise, and thousands of acres to roam in between. Sault Ste Marie’s sister city of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Canada is just a short 4-mile bridge crossing that boats many unique/culturally rich food choices and shopping options. Sault, Ontario also opens a whole new door to outdoor adventure with the more rugged/rocky Algoma Highlands that features mountain biking, downhill skiing, hiking, endless beaches, and provincial parks.