Position Summary
The Soil Conservation Technician furthers the mission of the Ottawa Conservation District (OCD) by assisting with conservation planning on agricultural land. The technician will fulfill these duties by assisting with projects such as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Farm Bill programs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and the Crockery/Sand Creek Restoration Program. The Soil Conservation Technician is responsible for conducting farm site visits, identifying resource concerns, developing conservation plans and program applications, and assisting landowners in making progress toward implementing conservation practices.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Work closely with NRCS to provide technical assistance to producers so they have access to various Farm Bill programs and financial assistance
• Coordinate producer participation in financial assistance programs in Ottawa County and be familiar with offered EQIP practices through the Farmland and Water Quality Conservation Initiative
• Assist witharm Bill Program eligibility determination, application processing, contract management, practice installation, monitor contract progress and record maintenance
• Conduct site visits on Ottawa County farms, greenhouses, and forests as requested by landowners
• Work with landowners and managers to develop Farm Bill Program to address resource concerns
• Maintain accurate records within NRCS standards and keep a well‐organized filing system for those records
• Promote conservation practices with presentations and displays at District and partner events and through social media, print, and other means
• Collaborate with and support staff and partners to promote offered programs and inform diverse audiences on the importance of sustainable agriculture in Ottawa County
• Perform other essential activities as required by OCD and NRCS

Other Functions

• Assist OCD and NRCS staff with other programs such as annual meeting, newsletters, walk‐in customers, answering telephones, general office upkeep and other duties as assigned by the Ottawa Conservation District Executive Director
• Assist in the preparation of District records, reports, and annual & long‐range work plans
• Prepare and provide presentations to groups on soil and water conservation topics as requested

Working Conditions
The primary workplace is in a typical office setting at the Ottawa Conservation District in Grand Haven, MI.  The Technical Assistant will frequently be on farms, which may involve traversing uneven, boggy, and submerged terrain in a wide range of air temperatures and weather.  Typical work schedule is M‐F 8:00AM‐4:30PM, but events and client schedules may require flexibility, including the need to work some evenings and weekends.  The Technical Assistant may occasionally be in the vicinity of agriculture crews using hand tools, power equipment, and harvest machinery.  Occasional involvement in hands‐on field work may be required.  

Relationships
This position is supervised by the Ottawa Conservation District Executive Director and works in concert with local NRCS staff. The Soil Conservation Technician will develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations (NRCS, Farm Bureau, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, MSU Extension and others) to further the mission of natural resource conservation in Ottawa County.

To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and three references as a single PDF to  ottawacd@macd.org with the subject line “Soil Conservation Technician” Application open until a qualified candidate is found.

If you have any questions, please call Megan Boos at (616) 842‐5852 x5