Position Summary: To coordinate the soil health planning and implementation efforts in Kandiyohi County and provide technical assistance for other conservation projects and programs for the Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two-year degree in agricultural sciences field such as agribusiness, business, farm management, agronomy, and/or a two- or four-year degree in natural resource management or commensurate experience. Experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position will be considered.
• A valid driver’s license.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds and maneuver on uneven terrain.
• Knowledge of basic soil health principles and practices with the desire to obtain Job Approval Authority in soil health practices.
• Experience in all Microsoft Office programs.
• Excellent communication skills and self-motivation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to navigate and engage with a variety of cultures, experiences, and interests.
• Strong public speaking skills and comfort with engaging audiences.
• Certified Crop Advisor through the American Society of Agronomy or ability to obtain certification within five years.
• Job Approval Authority or ability to obtain certification within five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Crop Advisor.
• Job Approval Authority with endorsements from Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Two-year degree in agricultural sciences field such as agribusiness, business, farm management, agronomy, and/or a two- or four-year degree in natural resource management. Or commensurate experience.
• Equipment experience including, but not limited to, vehicles, trucks towing trailers, ATVs, watercraft, and various office equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Primary lead with agricultural producers and other rural landowners to design and implement conservation plans by providing direct technical assistance.
• Administer and promote the soil health and irrigation programming and policy of the District.
• Determine the eligibility of applicants. Conduct field and site visits with constituents. Advise landowners of technical and financial programs. Follow technical specifications established/adopted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide and other approved engineering standards. Complete design of conservation practices. Follow up on installation of designed practices. Maintain all records and documentation for projects and implementation. Follow up with landowners as they continue to make enhancements.
• Understand agronomic principles associated with crop production and natural resource protection for both livestock and non-livestock enterprises and develop plans to meet the resource and customer needs.
• Promote and enroll landowners into the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). Assist landowners with enrolling into the MAWQCP. Maintain accurate records for MAWQCP. Assist the landowner with field risk assessment. Promote the MAWQCP through news releases and education.
• Assist with the implementation of the District’s irrigation program, Ag Loan program, Tree Program, Seed and Seeding Program, groundwater protection program, state cost share program, and any watershed-based funding programs.
• Assist with the promotion, required planning, and implementation of various federal, state and local conservation programs including but not limited to CRP, CREP, RIM, EQIP, State Cost Share, Watershed-based Implementation.
• Aid Technical Coordinator with technical functions for other structural conservation programs. Follow technical specifications established/adopted by the District or the federal standards. Assist in design and installation of conservation practices as needed. Provide support and direction to landowners.
• Perform topographic surveys using survey equipment, as well as other data collection for project design and provide construction stating and perform construction or implementation inspections, assurance, and documentation.
• Assist with the coordination of the District’s outreach and educational programs such as field days, social media, and producer meetings.
• Work cooperatively with federal and other associated agencies on conservation programs and projects.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office setting and includes outside field work; including but not limited to exposure to all types of weather, work along roads and highways in traffic, construction sites, standing and walking on uneven terrain, or other remote environmental spaces.

Some travel is required, including overnight. Some use of personal vehicle may be required on occasion. Expenditures on travel is reimbursable in accordance.

Link to Job Announcement: Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District